The number of farms that could be affected by the inheritance tax change is disputed. The government says it will only affect the wealthiest 500 estates each year but the NFU and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) have estimated up to 70,000 farms could be affected.

Farms worth more than about $1.3 million will face an estate tax from 2026, ending a previous exemption and prompting anger in some rural communities.

British farmers are descending on Parliament to protest a hike in inheritance tax that they say will deal a "hammer blow" to struggling family farms.

The government is preparing to face the biggest protest yet over its Budget tax change as farmers gather in the capital.

Thousands of British farmers will march to Parliament Square on Tuesday to protest against the end of an inheritance tax exemption that has helped family farms pass down the generations, saying the move will threaten food production.

From April 2026, farms with a value of £1m+ will be subject to an inheritance tax of 20%. Read more

President of NFU says farmer feels betrayed over governments inheritance tax changes as tractors parade through central London