Farmers protest in London begins

Farmers from across the country, including those from North Devon, are heading to London today, November 19, to take part in a protest against proposed changes to inheritance tax.

The protest comes as farmers express their frustration and feelings of betrayal over the upcoming alterations to the tax, which will affect agricultural land.

Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, a local sheep and beef farmer from North Devon, is among those making the journey to Westminster to voice her concerns.

ABOVE: Cheryl's children this morning 

Cheryl, currently on her way to the protest, spoke to The Gazette about her experience so far.

“We’re just on the tube from Richmond into Westminster. There were two full coaches from Harpers Feeds, we stopped at Fleet Services. We’ve been chatting to people on the platforms and on the tube and having really friendly interactions and discussions with people who live in London. Getting lots of questions about how we’ve been affected especially since Brexit and people wishing us luck which is really lovely and actually very emotional. The lady I spoke to when I arrived on the platform said ‘are you a farmer?’ When I said yes she replied ‘all the best.’ It’s really heartening to get the support.”

The new inheritance tax changes, set to come into effect in April 2026, will make inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1 million liable for tax at a reduced rate of 20 per cent, down from the previous exemption.

While the number of farms potentially affected by the changes is still being debated, it is understood that up to 40,000 people are expected to march on Westminster today in protest. For those unable to make it to London, a local event will be held in Holsworthy, North Devon.

Reflecting on her family’s history, Cheryl shared the personal impact the changes will have on her farm.

“My great-great-grandparents were tenants of our farm in the 1800s, eventually managing to purchase it. Here we are still farming in 2024, and I really hope that it will continue. My children are only six and three, but they both love being out and helping.”

She continued: “This is far worse than simply feeling angry at the liars in Westminster; we feel sick about what will happen and don’t want to see our livelihoods disappearing. We’re told there are possible ways to gift things over, but that takes seven years to take effect. For the majority of us, our parents are getting on in years, some with illnesses we cannot control. Are we just supposed to pray?”

The Gazette will provide further updates as the protest progresses.