FARMERS from Holsworthy and surrounding areas will be coming together for a ‘Back British Farming’ protest.
It has been organised for the benefit of those who cannot attend what is expected to be a large protest in London, led by TV presenter and celebrity farmer, Jeremy Clarkson.
Today’s protest, held at Holsworthy Livestock Market, will see farmers and farming supporters show their support for British farming, at a time of outrage at proposed changes to agricultural land inheritance rules.
At present, agricultural land is exempt from inheritance tax, meaning it can be passed onto the next generation without incurring a tax bill.
However, the proposed changes, announced in last month's budget, will mean farms worth over £1-million will be subject to 20 per cent inheritance tax from April 2026.
Farmers say that will lead to land being sold to pay the tax bill, impact food security and the future of British farming.
It has also been condemned by MP’s across the Tamar divide.
The MP for Torridge and West Devon, Sir Geoffrey Cox previously said: “The changes to agricultural property relief in particular are a body blow to family farms and rural communities and a betrayal of Labour’s promises at the election that it would not cut the relief.”
Ben Maguire, the MP for North Cornwall also said he was against the proposed changes, saying: “North Cornwall’s farming community is rightly anxious about the Government's latest tax changes. I am committed to ensuring farmers receive the support and clarity they need to navigate proposed changes in tax policy. I will be meeting with farmers from my constituency on Tuesday here in Westminster, when I will welcome them to Parliament and join them in demanding the Government reverse this damaging policy proposal.”
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