Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has hit out at Keir Starmer ahead of a protest in response to changes to inheritance taxfor farmers happening in London today.
Richard Tice described the leadership as a “bunch of clowns” in a video posted to X, dubbing the furious backlash to the tax policy “an absolute catastrophe”.
Farmers previously qualified for 100% relief on inheritance tax on agricultural and business property, but in her budget last month Rachel Reeves changed the rules to impose a 20% tax on assets above a £1 million threshold.
Celebrities including Jeremy Clarkson, who has been praised for shining a light on the industry through TV show Clarkson’s Farm, are expected to join the rally, and the Reform deputy leader said he would also be in attendance alongside his party colleagues.
Speaking ahead of attending the London protest, Mr Tice also commented on the cold weather battering the UK this morning, joking that the “snow and rain” and “freezing” temperatures were “like so many of us, furious at this Labour government”.
He added: “That basically is our view of this bunch of clowns who are ruining our economy, ruining the farming industry and ruining our culture.
“The whole thing’s an absolute catastrophe and that is why tens of thousands of farmers are going to protest in central London. I’ll be there along with all the other Reform MPs. We’ve got to stop this nonsense.”
The National Farmer’s Union (NFU) is planning a day of speeches at Church House in Westminster before inviting members to march to Parliament and demand their MPs to oppose the new tax.
Another grassroots protest is expected to begin outside Whitehall at around 11am, with farmers due to arrive in tractors and 4x4s.
Speaking outside Church House, NFU chief Tom Bradshaw said: “We know what this means for our family, for our children and for our future.
“The human impact of this policy is simply not acceptable. It’s wrong. We won’t give up. We won’t stop fighting.”
