Gardeners’ World star and horticulturalist Monty Don, 69, has hit out at the Labour government’s proposed taxes on farmers amid the major protest on the streets of London.
Thousands of farmers descended on Westminster to protest against Labour’s controversial inheritance tax changes, with up to 40,000 people reportedly involved in the demonstrations.
Two separate events were planned in central London, which began at 11am on Whitehall, as farmers voiced their opposition to Rachel Reeves’ recent Budget announcement.
TV presenter and farmer Jeremy Clarkson was among those who attended the protests which included both a mass lobby of MPs and an independent rally.
The so-called “tractor tax” will end the inheritance tax exemption that has helped family farms pass through generations.
From 2026, farmers with land worth more than £1 million will no longer be able to leave their farms to their children tax-free.
The government says the changes will only impact about 500 farms annually, with affected estates paying a 20 percent rate rather than the usual 40 percent.
The tax will be payable in instalments over 10 years, according to the new measures.
Farmers warn the changes will threaten the viability of family farms, which often operate on tight profit margins.
Clarkson is just one public figure who has slammed the measures and now, Don has followed suit with a statement on Instagram.
“Solidarity and support today for all family farmers protesting today against this government’s punitive tax proposals that will devastate small family farms right across the country,” the 69-year-old penned.
“Most people take food and the lovely countryside for granted but thousands of small family farms are the backbone of both our food supply our countryside and – most importantly- of thousands of communities.”
Don’s position on the issue sparked debate among his followers, with several rushing to reply to the BBC star on the social media site.
“Really disappointed to see you taking this position, Monty,” one follower critiqued. “A couple owning a farm are able to pass on £3m tax-free, and beyond that the 20% tax is repayable over 10 years. Why should farmers be entitled to exceptional treatment over any other small business owner, or regular citizen?”
A second echoed: “Whilst I love your page and your posts I don’t agree with this at all. Small family farms have many challenges that we do need to address, but this isn’t going to affect those farms.”
Don was backed by a number of other fans, however, including one Instagram user who penned: “Bravo Monty for speaking out. This horrific Government is nothing more than the Politics of Envy and Spite.”
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“It’s iniquitous,” a second supporter said. “Our farmers have cherished their land over centuries. We need a strong, healthy countryside to produce food to feed us. It’s so short-sighted to put them and their families in fear of eviction.”
Meanwhile, a third similarly backed the sentiment: “To those saying stick to gardening – this is Monty’s personal page just like yours. He is passionate about this.
“I agree with him, but even if I didn’t how could I complain that someone used their personal page to voice their honestly held opinion on something that matters to them? “Saw Monty speak last night at symphony Hall Birmingham and the man is an inspiration. Hard working, campaigning on behalf of wildlife, he has known very hard times and he is one of us, just nicer.” (sic)
Don’s statement on the issue comes after the National Farmers’ Union warned that many farms will need to be broken up and sold as a result of the policy.
Farmers have argued their children will have to sell land to cover the tax bill, potentially compromising Britain’s food production and security. Some farmers have already threatened to strike or disrupt food supplies.
GB News has contacted the BBC for comment on Don’s stance.
