Defying a direct police order, a convoy of farmers drove their tractors into the heart of Westminster on Budget Day to voice their fierce opposition to proposed inheritance tax changes. The dramatic protest saw agricultural machinery parked on key streets, including outside the Houses of Parliament, leading to multiple arrests.
Police Ban Ignored as Tractors Roll Into Central London
The Metropolitan Police had explicitly banned tractors and other agricultural vehicles from Whitehall the day before, warning that their presence would cause serious disruption to businesses, emergency services, and the public. Despite this, dozens of farmers proceeded with their demonstration on Wednesday 26 November 2025.
One tractor, prominently parked on Abingdon Street directly outside Parliament, bore a sign reading "Fools vote Labour". Another, driven by a farmer dressed as Father Christmas and carrying a large spruce tree, was stopped on Whitehall. Its festive display included a sign listing a "naughty list" of Labour figures, including Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, and Angela Rayner.
Police stated they had stopped approximately 20 tractors. In an official statement, they confirmed that several arrests were made for offences under the Public Order Act after individuals refused to comply with the conditions.
The Core of the Anger: A 20% Inheritance Tax
The protest was fuelled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves's plan to introduce a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural land and businesses valued at more than £1 million, set to take effect from April 2026. Farmers argue that this tax threatens the very survival of family-run farms, which are already grappling with rising costs and challenging market conditions.
One of the protest organisers, Dan Willis of Rookery Farms in Berkshire, expressed his devastation at the police ban. He told Sky News that the prohibition had backfired, creating carnage as tractors blocked areas like Trafalgar Square instead of the designated protest zone. "They were coming anyway, so unfortunately the Met have scored an own goal here," Mr Willis stated.
He emphasised the emotional weight of the issue, explaining that the tax directly impacts death, family legacy, and the nation's food production. The boos from a crowd of around 500 farmers were reported to be deafening as the Chancellor passed by.
A Growing Movement of Discontent
This is not an isolated event. The Westminster demonstration is the latest in a series of protests by farmers against the inheritance tax proposal. A similar tractor convoy descended on Whitehall in December, with thousands protesting what they see as a direct threat to their businesses and the UK's food security.
With the tax not due to be implemented until next year, farmers have vowed to continue their campaign, pushing for the government to scrap the policy entirely. The scene in Westminster on Budget Day signals a deeply rooted and determined opposition that is unlikely to dissipate.
