Photo credit: www.yahoo.com
In a substantial demonstration in London, thousands of farmers united to proclaim, “no pancakes without us,” as they marched from Whitehall towards Parliament to protest changes to inheritance tax policy.
On this morning’s “Pancake Day rally,” large combine harvesters were brought into London to symbolize the agricultural community’s cause after police prohibited tractors from entering the city.
The Metropolitan Police (Met Police) implemented a ban on all “mechanically propelled vehicles” in London due to previous protests that disrupted city traffic significantly.
While a few farming vehicles gained entry to London after securing permission from the police, it remains uncertain if the towering combine harvesters situated in Whitehall had received similar authorization.
This demonstration is one of many initiatives by farmers expressing dissent over Labour’s plans to impose a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural land and businesses valued over £1 million.
Organizer Olly Harrison stated the objective of the protest is to clearly communicate to members of Parliament the significant investments required in agriculture to produce everyday items, such as pancakes.
Key points
Thousands of farmers rally in Whitehall: ‘No pancakes without us’
Farmers participated in the protest using combine harvesters as part of their demonstration
Police issued warnings that farmers could face arrest if they used tractors during the rally
A third Labour MP criticized the proposed inheritance tax changes
Farmers express concerns through placards
13:10, Alexander Butler
‘Steve Reed makes farmers bleed’ (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
‘Britons: Your country needs British farmers’ (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
‘Beware of the bullsh*t’ (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Frustration boils over as farmers demand attention
13:06, Alex Croft
Nigel Watson, a farmer from East Yorkshire, emphasized he was protesting for his son’s future rather than his own. “The inheritance tax could leave my son with a bill of around half a million pounds,” he shared.
He added, “The current attitude towards rural communities is quite negative; we want the government to engage with us.”
Pancakes and disco music at the rally
12:38, Alexander Butler
Farmers distributed pancakes from a combine harvester to attendees, flipping the batter and cooking it on site as they danced to disco music in the sunny atmosphere.
NFU president vows to persist in protests
12:33, Alex Croft
Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers Union (NFU), emphasized that the protesting farmers would not cease until their concerns were acknowledged by the government. “This is a marathon, not a sprint,” he stated.
He called for continued engagement, stating, “They must comprehend that we cannot and will not be ignored,” drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Atmosphere at the protest: unruly yet spirited
12:10, Alexander Butler
Participants gathered on Whitehall, actively voicing their discontent over the government’s inheritance tax policy with a focus on pancakes as the symbolic theme of the protest.
One sign notably stated, “Farmers matter if we want batter,” stressing that without farmers, key ingredients like flour and eggs cannot be produced.
Critics label tax changes ‘devastating’
12:08
Shadow farming minister Robbie Moore described the proposed inheritance tax rate as “absolutely devastating” for farming families, highlighting the pressure on older generations to make difficult decisions regarding family legacies.
Inheritance tax policies face backlash
11:51, Alexander Butler
Criticism continued from shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins, who called the inheritance tax proposals “vindictive,” asserting that they forced families to contemplate the future of aging relatives in light of impending financial burdens.
Overview of the inheritance tax issue
11:28, Alexander Butler
The Labour party is advocating for a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural land and businesses valued over £1 million. This change eliminates an existing exemption that allowed family farms to be passed down without incurring taxes.
Farmers argue this policy will necessitate land sales, hinder investment, and negatively impact families who lack succession plans. The government maintains its position, claiming the reforms present a “fair and balanced approach.”
Reactions from various political leaders
07:39, Tara Cobham
Both the Liberal Democrats and Conservative party members have urged Labour to reconsider its stance on the proposed tax changes.
Victoria Atkins, shadow environment secretary, characterized this move as “vindictive,” while Tim Farron, the Lib Dem environment spokesperson, expressed that a family farm tax would disrupt crucial support for future food production.
As the protest evolves, farmers remain resolute in highlighting the complexities and challenges they face under the proposed inheritance tax changes, ensuring that their voices are heard amidst the ongoing debate.
Source
www.yahoo.com