‘Food security is national security’- Farmers protest in London

The rally, called RIP British Farming, has been organised by Save British Farming. The campaigner issued a list of issues that are currently pressing the British farming community. 

Farmers are demanding, among other things, that the government will abandon changes to inheritance tax reliefs that were recently announced by chancellor Reeves, reverse the fast-track removal of BPS and make the supply chain fair again. 

Founder of campaign group Save British Farming and co-organiser of the rally, Liz Webster, said that a nation losing the ability to feed itself means a total loss of control. 

“We learnt hard lessons in the last two world wars about the fact that food security is national security.   

“Keir Starmer must listen to farmers and step back from the brink and do what is right and best for our great country.” 

Devastating impact of inheritance tax

At the beginning of December, a non-binding Conservative motion against the family farm tax was voted down by 339 votes to 181. 

Hundreds of Labour MPs (330) voted against the motion to scrap the family farm tax, along with seven independents and two Green Party MPs.  

Meanwhile, 96 Conservatives voted in favour, along with MPs from a number of other parties, including Liberal Democrats (63), Reform UK (3) and SNP (8).  

CLA’s economic modelling revealed the devastating impact of inheritance tax on rural businesses.   

A 200-acre farm could face a £370,000 bill, wiping out more than 100% of annual profits. Even couples aren’t spared, with a 350-acre farm facing a £475,000 hit, erasing 99% of profits over a decade. 

READ MORE: Inheritance tax poll: Labour is losing the countryside

READ MORE: Farmers’ tractor protest set to take place in four capitals on 11th December

‘They can’t bite the hand that feeds them’ 

Another co-organiser of the protest, Matt Cullen of Fairness For Farmers, added: “The time has now come for farmers to unite and stand up and fight back against the government tax decisions. 

“We need to show this government that we will not be pushed over and have our farms destroyed! This is war, and we will win and force the government into a U-turn.” 

Welsh farmer and TV presenter Gareth Wyn Jones attended the protest. He said: “Let’s build a better Britain on our bellies. That’s why farmers are so important to food security and affordable, healthy food for everyone in the UK.   

“Hopefully this government will understand they can’t bite the hand that feeds them.” 

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