Farmers stage 'go-slow' protest at docks

More than 50 farm vehicles took part in the protest

Farmers have staged a 12-hour "go-slow" protest against the government's planned inheritance tax reforms and rising costs.

The demonstration, which involved more than 50 tractors, tankers and muck spreaders, took place in the area around Immingham Docks in North East Lincolnshire.

Humberside Police said the protest passed "without incident" and "no arrests were made".

The government has said the reforms to inheritance tax rules would raise £2bn to fund public services.

Jack Robinson is one of the farmers who took part in the protest

The plans to tax inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1m at a rate of 20% were announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' first Labour Budget last year and led to protests around the UK.

One of those who took part in the Immingham protest, Jack Robinson, said: "We can't afford to feed anyone anymore - the price of everything has gone through the roof."

As well as the changes to inheritance tax, Mr Robinson said the price offered by grain merchants meant the crops were not worth "what we are producing it for", adding with inheritance on top "we might as well not bother".

Another farmer, Ed Pritchard, said the protest was about trying to get the government to listen.

"What's really crippling us at the moment is the sheer lack of income from what we are managing to produce," he said.

Cheap imports were a problem, he said, and tariffs were needed to "give us more of a level playing field".

Ed Pritchard called for more support from the government

A government spokesperson said the reforms would safeguard public services while keeping inheritance tax fair - with three-quarters of estates paying nothing, and the rest paying half the usual rate, spread over 10 years interest‑free.

"We are backing farmers with the largest nature‑friendly budget in history with over £2.7bn a year to grow their businesses, put more British food on our plates, and restore nature," they added.

The government said it was also extending seasonal worker visas and protecting British produce in trade deals, as well as investing hundreds of millions of pounds in grants and biosecurity.

The protest was part of a national day of action

Associated British Ports (ABP), the owner and operator of the Port of Immingham, said, while it respected the right to peaceful protest, it was "disappointing" the action was intended to cause disruption to local businesses and communities with no involvement in "the subject of the protest".

"It is particularly regrettable the protest is targeting a port which is a significant gateway for the export of UK farmers' produce," a spokesperson said.

ABP said it had worked with police and other agencies to minimise disruption and to ensure the safety of staff, customers and the local community.

Humberside Police said the circular route identified by organisers ran from Killingholme Airfield along the A160 (Humber Road), past the petrol station and the oil refineries before returning via King's Road roundabout.

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