Farmers gather in London as Finance Bill enters committee stage
12th January 2026
Farmers are gathering in London today to protest against changes to IHT reliefs as parliament debates the Finance Bill.
Farmers are lobbying on foot, with tractors also present in London today ahead of the vote on the Finance Bill.
The demonstration is set to remind MPs and the public that the proposed inheritance tax changes do not go far enough and continue to threaten the future of family farms, UK food security, and elderly farming families caught up in the policy.
Today, 12th January, the MPs will debate the Finance Bill, focusing on key tax changes like income tax rates, inheritance tax reliefs, and alcohol duty increases, with votes expected on various clauses or motions today and tomorrow, as the committee stage progresses, following the Bill’s second reading in December 2025.
READ MORE: Family farm tax: industry reacts as Finance Bill clears second reading
IHT out
A farmer who takes part in today’s protest said: “The message is simple and clear: IHT out. Think food security.
“Farmers are calling on MPs to remove inheritance tax changes affecting agriculture and to fully consider the consequences for domestic food production, fair farm gate prices, and the knock-on effect on the wider rural economy.”
A spokesperson for farming campaigning group, Farmers Take Action, added: “Family farms and businesses are asset-rich but often cash-poor – you can’t easily pay a big tax bill in cash when your wealth is tied up in land, buildings, livestock and machinery.
“Without APR/BPR, many estate heirs may be forced to sell land or assets simply to settle a tax bill, risking the break-up of long-standing family operations; the ones that actually produce the majority of our food.
“These reforms preclude vulnerable farmers, like pensioners or terminally ill owners, from having practical options to plan around the changes.
“These proposals aren’t just dry tax tweaks – they affect jobs, communities, food security and the survival of family farms up and down the UK.”
Farmers Guide is attending the demonstration to bring you the latest updates.
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