One hundred tractors in third go-slow protest

Tractors travelled through Ipswich town centre as part of the protest

Farmers have staged their third go-slow tractor protest against proposed changes to inheritance tax.

About 100 tractors began the demonstration at 10:00 GMT on Monday in Ipswich, with the convoy then heading along the A14 to Felixstowe and back.

Those behind the protest said it was "a show of strength" against proposed changes to inheritance tax that would apply to agricultural assets worth more than £1m from April 2026.

A government spokesperson said it was "backing British farms" with annual investment and reliefs.

Russell Abbott, a member of East Anglian Farmers Unite, said the protest was a "sign of strength"

Russell Abbott farms at Crag Pit Farm in Tattingstone and is a leading member of East Anglian Farmers Unite.

"There are various farmers and organisations that have set up to show a sign of strength before we head to London on Wednesday," he explained to BBC Radio Suffolk.

"We want to show the unity that we do have in our industry and we want to be heard."

He added he hoped the government would "start to take heed of our warning" and that farmers were "worried" about their futures.

Suffolk Police officers were in attendance during the protest

Previous go-slow protests were held in February and December, in response to changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves during her Budget speech last November.

On Wednesday, farmers driving tractors will stage another go-slow protest in London on the same day the government unveils its next budget.

Richard Wrinch, a Shotley farmer at Monday's protest, said he believed "most of the population" understood where the farmers "are coming from".

"It keeps the profile there, it shows the unity of our industry and I think that it is essential to keep those who have got an influence on the decisions aware of the feeling of the agriculture industry," he added.

Will Hitchcock and his mother Liz Hitchcock both attended the go-slow protest

Will Hitchcock, who farms at Ringshall, said they felt they "had to keep pushing on" because there was "too much to lose to sit back and do nothing".

"For the greater good of everyone involved, not just farmers, no end of other businesses depend on farmers, it is society as a whole," he explained.

"We are producing food for people. Everyone eats three times a day, we are here for them."

Cath Crowther was hopeful farmers and the government could come to an agreement

Cath Crowther, regional director at the Country Land and Business Association, said while farmers may look "wealthy on paper", their money instead sat in assets that could not be sold, like machinery, land, property and livestock.

"They are required to be able to grow food and put food on your tables, so we need to ensure that they [the government] understand that this is an unaffordable tax," she said.

"Everyone here is paying all of their other taxes, very few currently pay inheritance tax, but these changes will really impact on the profitability and viability of farming and wider family businesses."

The tractors moved in convoy along the A14 between Ipswich and Felixstowe

A spokesperson from HM Treasury said: "We're backing British farms with £1m annual investment allowance for plant and machinery investments, billions for sustainable food, and action to cut EU export costs.

"Right now, 40% of agricultural property relief, worth £219m, goes to just 117 estates. Our reforms will channel that funding into vital public services."