Farmers Threaten Food Shortages If They Go on Strike
Whitehall‑in‑disguise: Tractors, banners and a bold demand
On Wednesday, thousands of farmers rumbled into Westminster, raking up their tractors and loading up signs that read “Save British farming,” “No farmers, no food,” and “Starmer, farmer harmer.” The goal? to convince the government to reverse a fresh inheritance tax hike that’s set to hit British farms with a 20 % levy on the first £1 million of land and property.
NFU President warns of a “Bite‑The‑Sink” crisis
Speaking to Sky News, NFT President Dave Bradshaw told the nation that the public “might be too surprised” if the farmers chose to strike, but he couldn’t rule out the possibility of food shortages. He added that the protest could continue through spring if the government fails to act:
“If we’ve got to, we will carry on protesting through to the spring.”
Bradshaw emphasized the need for public support and warned the government that bringing the farms to a halt would shake the whole country. “The ball’s in the government’s court. They could stop this tomorrow,” he said.
Government holds its ground
Prime Minister’s spokesperson echoed that food security is “national security” and pledged steadfast support for farmers. “We remain committed to helping farmers weather this storm, because our breakfast depends on it,” the spokesperson said.
Tax taste‑test for 2024
Under the new policy, any farm land or property value above £1 million will carry an extra 20 % inheritance tax—an insult to the backbone of rural Britain.
Liberal Democrat lights the way
Sir Ed Davey rolled the conversation back to the roots of British farming, calling it “the best in the world” thanks to family‑run farms that value quality food, the environment, and animal welfare. He decried the last Conservative administration for its “botched transition” and unfair trade deals that undermined family farms.
“Now many family farms feel the government’s new budget will be the last straw,” Davey said during a PMQs call of the day. “Will the Prime Minister change course and recognise the vital role that British family farms play?”
Starmer lists the fiscal punchline
In reply, Starmer broadcast that the government spent £350 million last week alone to aid UK farmers, a figure many felt dwarfed the scale of the challenge ahead.
With headlines flashing yellow and the nation holding its breath, the debate between growing the market and preserving humanity’s staples continues. Will the farms farm on, or will the harvest itself be at risk? The answer remains to be decided.
