Farmers protest: Nigel Farage issues defiant six-word message to Keir Starmer
Nigel Farage has issued a defiant six-word remark to Keir Starmer as he joins hundreds of farmers protesting Labour's inheritance tax raid in Central London today.
Speaking to The Express' Katie Harris, the Reform UK leader warned that the current government will lose "all 100 seats" in rural areas across the country if they do not scrap their plans. He added the six words: "Wake up and smell the coffee!"
Follow our live blog for the latest updates as farmers stage a tractor demonstration in Westminster.
This comes after tractors lined up on Whitehall from 10am ahead of speeches at noon and a slow drive around central London from about 12:45pm.
As many as 300 tractors are expected to be in attendance for the "RIP British Farming" protest organised by Kent Fairness for Farmers and Save British Farming.
It comes as Labour continues to face a heavy backlash for its new inheritance tax rules for farms in the Budget. Farms will only get relief on the first £1million of agricultural and business property.
Farmers risk capital gains tax hike for dodging inheritance tax
Farmers trying to escape the inheritance tax hike could instead be hit with higher capital gains tax.
Some farmers are anticipated to hand down assets to their children while they're still alive to avoid the 20% tax.
However, capital gains tax may need to be paid on profits made since they bought the asset.
The basic rate is 18% on profits over £3,000 annually.
If farmers defer the capital gains tax liability, the bill may just be passed down their children.
Tax experts warn 75k farmers to be hit by Reeves's raid as doubts cast on Labour's figures
Tax experts have cast doubt the Treasury's estimates that around 500 estates will be affected each year by the Chanellor Rachel Reeves's inheritance taxchanges.
The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) has calculated that up to 75,000 individual farm business owners are "likely to be affected" over the coming generation.
Speaking at the Environment Committee on Wednesday, David Sturrock, senior research economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank said the figures are on a "no behavioural change basis".
"We might expect that of these estates who, if they did nothing, would pay higher tax. Some will change the ownership structure or make gifts in a way that should mean that that number would be lower.
"Of course, there's a lot of uncertainty from that behavioural change but also the economic factors that drive forecasts, like land prices and so there's some certainty in both directions on those figures."
During her Autumn Budget this year, Reeves argued that three-quarters of farms would not be affected.
Starmer reminded in Commons of pre-Budget vow to farmers
Keir Starmer was taken to task at PMQs this afternoon by Tory MP Jerome Mayhew, who reminded the Prime Minister of his previous promises to farmers.
“‘Losing a farm is not like losing any other business. It can’t come back,'" Mayhew said.
“Now, those are the words of the Prime Minister, that is what he said to the NFU in order to get their votes, so can the Prime Minister understand why farmers in Broadland and Fakenham and around the country now think that his administration is duplicitous?”
In reponse, Sir Keir told MPs: “I think everybody welcomes the £5 billion over the next two years that we’ve put in the budget – well, they shake their heads, I’m afraid they do.
“£350 million in the last week alone, compared with the £300 million underspend by the last government.
“On the threshold, as he well knows, in an ordinary family case, the threshold is £3 million and that means the vast majority of farmers will be unaffected,” the Labour leader added.
Focus taxes on personal wealth, farming union boss urges
The president of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), has called for tax changes to focus on personal wealth rather than business wealth, as as a major protest continues in central London.
Tom Bradshaw said doing so would bring a “very different proposal than the one that’s on the table”.
“What’s clear today with the proposal that’s in the Budget is that there is a desire from this Government to change where we are today, so our position is let’s work with you to get to an outcome that works for all rather than the blunt instrument that we have today,” he said, as per The Standard.
MPs issued horrifying warning of farmers committing suicide
The president of the Country Land and Business Association, Victoria Vyvyan, said the tax changes come on top of a "pile of other human pain" that could lead to the risk of suicide among farmers.
"We have very good support in some ways which is why we know about this. It’s not just anecdotes," she said.
She said a system in Cornwall sees health inspectors visiting farms, who have discovered all sorts of problems some farmers could be facing, including "abuse in the family, children not going to school".
"This is a big problem that primarily manifests itself sometimes in that last push."
Labour ministers booed and called liars during furious speeches
During speeches made outside the gates of Downing Street, angry farmers could be heard booing Chancellor Rachel Reeves when her name was mentioned.
Shouts of "liar!" were also heard when celebrity farmer and YouTuber Gareth Wyn Jones mentioned Environment Secretary Steve Reed.
Reed has previously pledged to protect farmers, saying Labour has a "steadfast" commitment to them
'This is a war and we will win!' fumes angry farmer
The speeches are now kicking off outside the gates of Downing Street.
One of the protest organisers Matt Cullen thanked farmers for turning out in their tractors.
He said: "The time has come for us farmers to unite and fight back against this governments tax decision.
"We need to show them we won’t be pushed over and have our family farms destroyed.
"This is a war and we will win.”
Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves bombarded with 30,000 emails demanding farm tax U-turn
Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are facing a barrage of emails demanding a reversal on Labour's tax policy affecting family farms.
The campaign, spearheaded by Howard Cox, a former Reform UK candidate for Mayor of London, encourages those opposed to the policy to email to "get the Farmer Inheritance tax policy scrapped".
Already, over 30,000 people have done so.
Cox told the Express: "Over 5,000 farmers are supporters of FairFuelUK backing my hugely successful campaign that has stopped fuel duty hikes for 15 years, and that they have benefitted from.
"I set up an easy way for the public to email the chancellor and prime minister, calling on them both to scrap this needless and spiteful Budget policy."
Environment secretary maintains 'steadfast' commitment to farmers
Environment Secretary Steve Reed has maintained that Labour's "commitment to farmers is steadfast" in response to the protests.
His statement reads: "Our commitment to farmers is steadfast.
"That is why this government is working hard to get money into farmers bank accounts as well as announcing today how farmers can benefit from the new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme, with more flexible actions, improved payments to help cashflow and a rolling application window.
"It’s part of our £5bn farming budget over two years - the largest ever directed at sustainable food production in our country’s history.
"As we set out our Plan for Change, we are focused on supporting our farmers, supporting rural economics growth and boosting Britain’s food security."
Farage issues brutal six-word jibe to Keir Starmer
Nigel Farage has issued a brutal six-word remark to Keir Starmer as he attends the protest in Westminster.
Speaking to the Express' Katie Harris, the Reform UK leader warned that the current government will lose "all 100 seats" in rural areas across the country if they do not scrap their plans.
He added the six words: "Wake up and smell the coffee!"
Nigel Farage attends protest alongside 'RIP farming' coffin
Nigel Farage made an appearance at the farming protest in London today, holding a sign that reads "With our farmers #together".
The Reform UK leader was spotted with an entourage and Daily Express reporter Katie Harris as he took to the streets of Westminster.
Separately, a coffin covered in the Union flag and sign reading "RIP farming" is being paraded around the streets of London.
Robert Jenrick 'absolutely' on the side of protesting farmers
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has defended the protesting farmers, saying he is "absolutely" on their side.
He told Sky News: "Good for them. They are facing this utterly iniquitous, frankly cruel family farm tax.
"You’ve got farmers - these are not wealthy people. These are people who have a couple of hundred acres, had always expected to hand their farm on to their children and their grandchildren.
"And now, as a result of what Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have done in the budget, they are fearful. They don’t know what the future holds for them and their farm."
Liz Truss slams 'failing British state' as she shows support for farmers
Liz Truss has hit out at the "failing British state" as she extends her support to the farmers protesting in London today.
She also smalled the "destructive policies" of the Labour government following the announcement of their inheritance tax raid.
The former PM wrote on X: "Growing number of tractors on London roads. People, farmers and businesses are fed up with the failing British state and its destructive policies. #IStandWithFarmers."
Protest hotting up in Westminster as farmers descend from across the country
There’s already lots of activity in the heart of Westminster as farmers turn out from across the country.
The sound of beeping horns is ringing out around Parliament as convoys of tractors make their way to Whitehall.
Tractors are flying Union flags with signs reading "no farmers no food" and "to feed or not to feed?"
First tractors arrive in Westminster
The first tractors have arrived in Westminster, honking and getting cheers from pedestrians near Parliament Square in Central London.
Many of them flying the Union flag or signs that read "No farmers, no food", "Not hungry, thank a farmer", and "Save British Farming".
Other signs say "Starmer Farmer Harmer", and a second one "Reeves and Starmer, grave robbers".
There is a police presence in the area to cover the protest which is set to draw thousands of demonstrators.
Farmers descend on Westminster to protest inheritance tax raid
Farmers have been spotted driving their tractors into Westminster, London as they protest Labour's inhertiance tax rules for farms.
By KATIE HARRIS, Political Reporter, REBECCA ROBINSON, CHRIS SAMUEL
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment