Farmers face arrest if they block roads with their tractors during latest protest over Labour’s inheritance tax raid, police warn_Nhy
Farmers could be arrested if they drive their tractors in central London during a rally against changes to inheritance tax rules.
Organisers said the ‘Pancake Day Rally’ on Tuesday aims to be ‘bigger and better’ than the previous two demonstrations.
They will march from Whitehall at around midday towards Parliament, with the demonstration due to end at 3pm.
Police said conditions have been imposed meaning only ‘a limited number’ of tractors are allowed to be there.
This number was already agreed by the organisers to demonstrate the costs of such specialist equipment, the Met Police said.
Deputy assistant commissioner Ben Russell, who is leading the policing operation, said last month’s protest saw a ‘significant number of people attend with tractors and other large farming vehicles’.
He said there were lengthy road delays, adding: ‘It is our responsibility to ensure that protests don’t cause serious disruption to the life of the community.’
Scotland Yard warned that it is a criminal offence to breach the conditions or to incite others to do so, and that anyone doing so may face arrest.
Thousands of farmers lined the streets of Westminster with their tractors to protest Keir Starmer’s ‘toxic’ proposals in December
Farmers blasted the Government for ‘screwing British industry’ as they drove their tractors through London as part of their campaign against the inheritance tax raid in December
Farmer Olly Harrison, one of the organisers, said: ‘We don’t need any tractors, this is on foot.
‘We are going to have some kit to show to the MPs to explain the levels of investment.
‘We’ve sorted all that out, you just get yourself there on foot,’ he told those taking part.
‘Let’s explain the levels of investment needed in agriculture just to produce something simple like a pancake.’
Labour is pressing ahead with a 20 percent inheritance tax rate on agricultural land and businesses worth more than £1 million, despite industry concerns that it will force land sales, stall investment, and hurt families lacking succession plans.
The changes are due to come into force from April 2026.
A Government spokesperson said: ‘Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast.
‘This Government will invest £5 billion into farming over the next two years, the largest budget for sustainable food production in our country’s history.
‘We are going further with reforms to boost profits for farmers by backing British produce and reforming planning rules on farms to support food production.
Tractors blocked roads in central London in December bearing placards criticising Sir Keir Starmer and the government
Dozens of tractors line up on Whitehall, complete with Union Jack flags and placards
Tractors line up near Parliament during a ‘RIP British Farming’ protest, which also featured a coffin, in December
‘Our reform to agricultural and business property relief will mean three-quarters of estates will continue to pay no inheritance tax at all, while the remaining quarter will pay half the inheritance tax that most people pay, and payments can be spread over 10 years, interest-free.
‘This is a fair and balanced approach which helps fix the public services we all rely on.’
In December, farmers blasted the Government for ‘screwing British industry’ as they drove their tractors through London as part of their campaign against the inheritance tax raid.
Angry farmers were seen laying a wreath outside Downing Street and blocking Whitehall roads with tractors as part of their protest.
As well as lining the streets with their tractors, the protesters also held a minute silence in the Westminster streets ‘for all the farmers who are no longer here’ amid ongoing concern for the wellbeing of those facing the impacts of the changes.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who wore a tweed flat cap and Barbour jacket, told the Mail: ‘Getting victory in campaigns like this does not happen overnight. It has got to be a persistent campaign.’
The Clacton MP called for demonstrations to extend to every market town in Britain that is represented by a Labour MP.
Farmers say the new inheritance tax rules would put their businesses, futures and food security at risk
A supporter of the farmers holds a sign saying ‘Starmer Farmer Harmer’ during a rally
Reform leader Nigel Farage is pictured at the farmers’ protest in London in December
He added: ‘If the farmers keep their peaceful protests up, if we can get small businesses to start speaking up – who are going to be affected by these changes – and get the public on side, you will start to see in a few months’ time a lot of Labour MPs panicking.’
Questioned about how long farmers can sustain their action despite Labour refusing to back down, Mr Farage replied: ‘I don’t think it’s started yet. This is going to grow, grow, grow.’
Farmers face being hit with increasing national insurance costs for employers, forcing up costs again.
Labour said its support for farmers is ‘steadfast’ – but there is ongoing outrage from rural communities about Rachel Reeves’ announcement that farms will no longer be exempt from paying inheritance tax.
