The President of the National Farmers Union (NFU) has warned if farmers strike over Labour’s tax raid, then they “can’t rule out” food shortages in the UK.
On Wednesday thousands of farmers protested in Westminster over the Chancellor’s inheritance tax hike and are urging the government to reverse this “cruel” tax.
The NFU President told Sky News, “I think they [public] should be surprised, but I can’t rule it out.”
Farmers drove their tractors outside Whitehall with signs reading “Save british farming,” “No farmers, no food” and “Starmer farmer harmer.”
Bradshaw told Sky News, “If we’ve got to, we will carry on protesting through to the spring.
The public have done nothing wrong. We absolutely have to have their support. I really don’t want them to get caught in the eye of this storm.
Making sure we don’t cut off their supplies, and we keep the public on our side, is essential to making sure the government has to listen.
He added, “The sense of anger is one I’ve never known… it’s now down to the government. The ball is in their court. They could stop this tomorrow.”
Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said, “This government recognises that food security is national security; that’s why we remain steadfast in our support for farmers.”
Farmers will be forced to pay 20% inheritance tax on their land and properties after the first £1 million.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey told Starmer during PMQs, “British farmers are the best in the world.
“They are the best in the world because of our tradition of family farms, where from generation to generation a commitment to high-quality food, to our precious environment and animal welfare is passed down.
“But family farms were let down badly by the last Conservative government, with the botched transition to new payment schemes, and their unfair trade deals with Australia and New Zealand that have undercut British farmers.
“Now many family farms feel the Government’s budget will be the final blow. So will the Prime Minister change course and recognise the vital role that British family farms play?”
Starmer replied with the government has spent “last week alone, £350 million to support farmers across the United Kingdom.”
