Farmers March to York Minster Protesting Inheritance Tax on Farms

Farmers protested Chancellor Reeves’ budget yesterday. The event was called “March to the Minster.” The budget impacts inheritance tax on farms, taxing farms over £1 million at 20%. Before, farms had complete tax relief.

Phil and Clare Wise organized the march. Their family has farmed since the 1600s. This is their second protest against the tax changes, as Phil wants to pass the farm to his kids but fears the tax will make it impossible. He worries they cannot afford the tax.

Many farmers share their concern and will keep protesting until the bill changes. Farmers from North Yorkshire attended, including Graham and Marie Potter, fourth-generation farmers from Thirsk who wanted to show their support after feeling the government misled them on multiple issues.

The march began in Museum Gardens. Over 200 people walked through York, with kids leading the way on toy tractors. It ended at the War Memorial by York Minster. Marchers wore hi-vis jackets if affected, with most attendees choosing to wear them to show they felt the tax would hit them hard.

Andrew Robinson, an accountant and pig farmer, spoke at the event. Rod Cordingley, a York auctioneer and land agent, and Andrew Ward, a farming YouTuber, also spoke. Robinson said the tax hurts family farms, affecting 82% of his clients, some of whom have little time to adjust to the tax. He called it a “tax on tragedy.”

He suggested changes to the tax plan, wanting a longer transition period, an age limit, or a raised cap. Several politicians also attended the event.