Farmers ride out for inheritance tax protest

Dozens of tractors have been driven in convoy in Shropshire and Worcestershire in protest against planned changes to inheritance tax rules.

It follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves' announcement during her Budget speech that inheritance tax would apply to agricultural assets worth more than £1m from April 2026.

Many vehicles were decorated or spray painted with messages, including "no farming, no food, no future."

The government said the change was only expected to affect about 2,000 estates each year and its commitment to farmers "remains steadfast".

About 50 vehicles left Halls Auction Centre in Shrewsbury before driving along the A5 on Wednesday.

In Worcester, about 20 tractors drove from the market and parked in Cathedral Square in the city centre.

West Mercia Police said the demonstrations concluded without any incidents or disorder.

Will Morgan is a beef and arable farmer in Tenbury Wells

"We've been farming for generations where I farm, and I want to pass the farm on to my son, and this tax is going to ruin that in one fell swoop," said Will Morgan, a beef and arable farmer from Tenbury Wells.

"There's a preconceived idea about farmers, and we are a hard working bunch, and we just want to protect what we work very hard for.

"Driving through Worcester today… we've had so many waves and toots of support.

"It's been absolutely fantastic."

Richard Wheeler took part in the convoy around Worcester

"It's going to shake up the rural economy, it's going to shake up employment… it's never ending, it's thick and fast," said Richard Wheeler, who has been farming all his life.

"We are cash poor, our businesses do not turn a profit.

"I work 70 to 80 hours a week and I pay myself £15,000.

"We're politely trying to point out that you need us, we're not doing it to get rich, we're doing it because we love it."