‘Farming’s darkest hour’ – Suffolk farmers to park tractors on bridges today
18th December 2025
Suffolk farmers are set to park their tractors on bridges above major roads across the county today to raise public awareness of the pressures they are currently facing.
The peaceful demonstration will take place on Thursday, 18th December, between 3pm and 6pm.
Agricultural chaplain for Suffolk, Graham Miles, said: “Tractors will have their lights flashing to keep the public aware of what farmers in the agricultural industry are coping with at the moment.
“We just keep trying to get that message across of the effect that the government’s policies are having on our farming communities.
“It’s day after day I’m getting messages in from farmers, talking about how the farm would be better off if they weren’t here anymore, which is really sad.
“I’m scared to think how many more lives we are going to lose between now and April.”
Mr Miles added that he serves as a “listening ear” for the local farming community and is available around the clock to speak with farmers who want to share their concerns.
Second reading of the Finance Bill
Changes to the family farm tax are moving closer to implementation after Chancellor Reeves announced that, from April 2026, the first £1 million of combined business and agricultural assets will continue to be exempt from inheritance tax. However, assets above £1 million will be subject to inheritance tax, with 50% relief applied.
She said that many elderly or terminally ill farmers are now considering taking their lives before the legislation comes into force in April 2026.
Cat Smith MP then asked PM Starmer if he can see how farmers can feel that this government has not necessarily treated them the way that they expect to be treated as working people.
The PM said: “I do think on agricultural property relief, there had to be sensible reform. And I think this is sensible reform.”
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