Kaleb Cooper sends clear message amid farmers’ protests in London as Clarkson’s Farm star offers show of solidarity
Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper has shown his solidarity with the hundreds of farmers who descended on Westminster with their tractors on Wednesday to once again protest against inheritance tax changes announced in the Budget.
The “RIP British Farming” demonstration, organised by Kent Fairness for Farmers and Save British Farming, saw vehicles line up on Whitehall from 10am.
Tractors travelled from across the country, including Exmoor, Shropshire, Somerset and the home counties, to join the protest.
The convoy, many flying Union flags, displayed signs reading “No farmers, no food” and “Save British Farming” as they drove through central London.
The protest coincided with Prime Minister’s Questions and follows a similar demonstration in November that drew 13,000 people.
Cooper, who attended the protest on November 19, wasn’t pictured at the event but took to social media to send the clear message he was on their side on Wednesday.
Using his Instagram page, Cooper reposted a post from Farmers Weekly which showed the hundreds of tractors blocking roads in the capital.
“WOW!!!” the publication captioned the image alongside a series of tractor emojis.
As well as reposting the update, Cooper showed his support further by liking the post on social media.
The Clarkson’s Farm star has made no secret of his opposition to the Labour Party’s proposed tax measures, saying to the press at the November 19 protest: “I think it’s the passing down of your family farm to the next generation.
“If I want to pass my business onto my child, I don’t know if he can afford to take that on with the new tax bill.
“It could be unprofitable to make a livelihood off that business – that’s why everyone has come together today.
“It’s got to the point where it’s going to affect us massively and we need to do something about it.”
Organisers say the latest show of action is in response to what they call the “toxic” Budget, which included changes to inheritance tax for agricultural businesses and a faster phaseout of EU-era subsidies.
Under the Budget changes announced in October, an inheritance tax of 20 percent will apply to agricultural assets worth more than £1 million, compared to the standard rate of 40 percent for other property.
Farming leaders argue this will severely impact family farms, with National Farmers Union President Tom Bradshaw claiming three-quarters of operating farms will be affected.
The average UK farm is 250 acres, and with current land prices at around £7,800 per acre, even modest farms can be valued well above the threshold.
Farmers warn the tax changes could force the sale of land that provides their income, threatening the viability of family farming operations.
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The government insists its support for the sector remains “steadfast”, with Environment Secretary Steve Reed highlighting a £5 billion two-year farming budget.
Ahead of today’s protest, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs announced £343 million in payments for nature-friendly farming activities, benefiting over 31,000 farmers.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “We have been very clear we are not going to change course on this policy. It was necessary to take tough decisions at the Budget.”
Last month’s protest drew high-profile supporters including Jeremy Clarkson, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and politicians Kemi Badenoch, Sir Ed Davey and Nigel Farage.
The demonstration comes as MPs on the Environment Committee hear evidence on the tax changes’ impact, and as the government publishes a report on UK food security.