FARMERS have ramped up their protests against proposed inheritance tax changes, staging a tractor convoy and rally outside the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno. The demonstration coincided with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s address, where he defended the Autumn Budget and Labour’s vision for the future.
The proposed reforms, outlined by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, will see inheritance tax applied to combined agricultural and business properties valued above £1 million at a reduced rate of 20%. Farmers and unions argue this change threatens the survival of family-run farms, particularly in rural Wales.
Tractor convoy delivers message to Labour
Farmers, led by Welsh YouTuber Gareth Wyn Jones, made a dramatic entrance to the conference in a convoy of tractors, delivering a letter to Sir Keir that read: “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
Jones criticized the tax reforms, stating: “They’re destroying an industry that’s already on its knees and struggling, mentally, emotionally, and physically. We need government support, not more hindrance, so we can produce food to feed the nation.”
He also questioned the government’s estimate that only 500 farming estates would be affected, arguing the real number could be much higher.
Protest group Digon yw Digon (Enough is Enough) organized the demonstration, urging rural communities to stand in solidarity with farmers. They called on supporters to attend with tractors, slurry tankers, and other agricultural vehicles to highlight their grievances.
Labour defends ‘fair and proportionate’ reforms
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh defended the policy on Sunday, calling the measures “fair and proportionate” given the economic challenges inherited by the government.
Speaking to ITV News, Haigh emphasized Labour’s commitment to supporting farmers by ensuring 50% of food procured by public institutions is sourced from the UK. She added: “Difficult decisions had to be made at the budget. We think the measures we set out are fair and proportionate.”
However, Welsh Conservative Leader Andrew Davies accused Labour of “costing thousands of jobs and decimating rural Wales.”
Starmer: ‘Path of change’
In his speech to the Welsh Labour Conference, Sir Keir Starmer hailed a new era of cooperation between Labour-led governments in Wales and Westminster, calling it “the path of change.” He defended the Budget, which allocated £21 billion to Wales for the coming year—a record figure.
“I will defend facing up to the harsh light of fiscal reality,” Starmer said. “I will defend the tough decisions that were necessary to stabilize our economy, protect the pay slips of working people, and invest in the future of Britain and Wales, finally turning the page on austerity once and for all.”
Farmers plan further protests
The Welsh protest is just the beginning of escalating action. On Tuesday, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) will hold a mass lobby of MPs in Westminster, with 1,800 members gathering to voice their concerns. A separate rally is also planned opposite Downing Street.
Protesters argue the inheritance tax changes could devastate rural communities and jeopardize the UK’s food supply. As Gareth Wyn Jones warned: “Enough is enough. Our government isn’t working or listening to us.”
