'We're never backing down' say protest farmers

Farmers gathered in Horsham to speak with the public

Farmers have been gathering in Sussex and Surrey to campaign against the government's inheritance tax reforms, which they say would "decimate" the UK's agricultural sector.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is staging events on Saturday as part of a "national day of unity", with farmers bringing food, tractors and livestock to town centres across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

David Exwood, who is deputy president of the NFU and farms in Horsham, West Sussex, told the BBC that the tax changes will be "crippling" and that protests will continue until the government backs down.

The government claims its commitment to supporting British farmers "remains steadfast" as it will be investing £5bn in farming over the next two years.

But Mr Exwood, who attended protests in Horsham and Worthing on Saturday, said the tax reforms come with "unjust consequences".

"This affects almost every farmer," he said.

"I've got to work out how to pass down my assets to my son in a way that won't cripple the business. We're happy to be taxed on profits not on assets."

From April 2026, inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1m, which were previously exempt, will be subject to 20% inheritance tax.

The events on Saturday are taking place after a petition signed by more than 270,000 people was given 10 Downing Street on Friday by the NFU.

Mr Exwood said public support has been strong too at the campaigns.

"It's been brilliant, hundreds of farmers talking with thousands of people," he said.

A government spokesperson said: "Our reform to Agricultural and Business Property Relief will mean estates will pay a reduced effective inheritance tax rate of 20%, rather than standard 40%, and payments can be spread over 10 years, interest-free.

"This is a fair and balanced approach, which fixes the public services we all rely on, affecting around 500 estates a year."

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