UK farmers to protest at Parliament over tax hike

Associated Press London: With banners, bullhorns, toy tractors, and an angry message, British farmers are descending on Parliament on Tuesday to protest a hike in inheritance tax that they say will deal a “hammer blow” to struggling family farms. UK farmers are rarely as militant as their European neighbours, and Britain has not seen large-scale protests like those that have snarled cities in France and other European countries. Now, though, farmers say they will step up their action if the government doesn't listen.

“Everyone's mad,” said Olly Harrison, coorganiser of a protest that aims to flood the street outside Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office with farmers. He said many famers “want to take to the streets and block roads and go full French.” Organisers have urged protesters not to bring farm machinery into central London on Tuesday. Instead, children on toy tractors will lead a march around Parliament Square after a rally addressed by speakers, including former “Top Gear” TV host and celebrity farmer Jeremy Clarkson. Another 1,800 farmers plan to hold a “mass lobby” of lawmakers nearby, organised by the National Farmers' Union. Volatile weather exacerbated by climate change, global instability and the upheaval caused by Britain's 2020 departure from the European Union have all added to the burden on UK farmers.