Farmers to hold ‘national strike’ against inheritance tax changes, disrupting supermarket meat and crops
British farmers are to stage a “national strike” next week, withholding meat and crops from supermarkets to protest Labour’s inheritance tax policies.
From Sunday, thousands of farmers are planning to take part in a week-long strike, which includes a march in London on November 19, where more than 10,000 farmers are expected to rally against tax changes introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
The policy imposes an inheritance tax of 20% on previously exempt farms valued at more than £1 million, prompting concerns that it will force many farmers to sell parts of their operations, jeopardizing the continuation of the traditional family farm. Protest group Enough Is Enough, which represents striking farmers, warned of a negative impact on the industry, saying, “Britain’s farmers are simply fed up.” We cannot provide food to the public under these conditions.”
The strike will keep non-perishable items, such as meat and certain crops, from supermarkets, which could affect food availability. UK farms provide around 80% of the nation’s beef, 90% of fresh poultry, and large portions of lamb, pork, and wheat. However, dairy farmers are exempt from the strike due to spoilage of milk and eggs.
Tim Taylor, who is the organizer of the strike and the owner of a pet food business, noted that the purpose of the strike is to “disrupt but not destroy the shelves of supermarkets,” with the aim of public support.
Industrial Anxiety and Mental Health Effects
The tax changes have caused great concern in the farming community, with some farmers fearing that they may be the last in their family to take care of the business. Welsh farmer Gareth Wyn Jones has announced his decision to go on strike, citing the need to protect the future of his family’s 375-year-old heritage.
Farmers’ mental health support lines have reported an increase in calls since the policy was announced, and the family of South Yorkshire farmer John Charlesworth, 78, revealed he took his own life just before the budget to prevent his children from facing inheritance taxes.
The strike coincides with a “mass mobilization event” organized by the National Farmers’ Union, where close to 2,000 farmers are expected to meet MPs. Additionally, farmers plan to protest at the Welsh Labor conference in Llandudno on Friday and may stop the collection of slurry from water companies as a further step.
The government says the inheritance tax changes aim to protect family farms while addressing public service needs, saying the changes will not affect “the majority of farmers.” However, many farmers believe that these measures threaten the future of farming in the UK, and some groups suggest that the move could lead to more French-style protests if their concerns are not addressed.
