November 9, 2024, 11:41 PM
Rebellious farmers are threatening to blockade ports and leave supermarket shelves empty in an escalation of their row with Rachel Reeves over her plan to hike inheritance taxes.
Image: Alamy
Rebellious farmers are threatening to blockade ports and leave supermarket shelves empty in an escalation of their row with Rachel Reeves over her plan to hike inheritance taxes.
Farmers are also considering withholding produce and livestock to avoid food shortages, The Telegraph reports.
One farmer told the Telegraph: “(This) could be an opportunity to slow down supply in the supermarket.
“The government and the supermarkets must become aware of the control we have as farmers. The great thing about that is that you have farmers everywhere, so you can cover all ports.”
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The move is said to mirror similar tactics used in Europe this year, blocking ports in Zeebrugge.
The percentage of agricultural property waivers has been set at 20 per cent on the value of business and agricultural assets over £1 million after the budget.
The budget sparked outrage, with campaigners warning the switch could destroy family farms and damage food security and environmental protection work.
Protesters took to the streets this weekend with tractors and other large machines to take a stand against the changes that will take place from April 2026.
Jeremy Clarkson said National Farming Union organizers had been told to limit numbers to 1,800 after 10,000 for a planned march in London on Saturday.
Describing the measure to the presenter as “all war in the countryside”, Clarkson added that he had booked a bus to London to protest with a group of farmers from the Cotswolds.
However, the presenter-turned-farmer revealed he has now been forced to put plans aside due to the restrictions placed on attendees.
The Metropolitan Police has since refuted the claims, insisting that the force has “not banned anyone from marching on this date” and that officers “will work with anyone wishing to organize a peaceful protest”.
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