Farmers’ protest over inheritance tax postponed because of storm
A protest in Caithness against controversial UK government taxation plans became an indirect victim of Storm Éowyn at the weekend.
The planned rally at John O’Groats on Saturday, organised by NFU Scotland, was expected to attract up to 50 tractors as part of a nationwide day of action.
However, events across Scotland, including the John O’Groats gathering, were postponed until further notice because of the “trail of devastation” caused by the storm in some parts of the country.
The show of strength was being staged by NFU Scotland and other farming unions to highlight what they see as a threat to the viability of family farms resulting from Labour’s 20 per cent inheritance tax raid on farmland and property worth more than £1 million.
Speaking on Friday, NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said: “It is clear Storm Éowyn has left a trail of devastation across much of the country.
“We have assessed the situation and taken the tough decision to postpone all our planned events across Scotland that had been arranged as part of the UK national day of action and designed to highlight the negative impact the UK government’s proposed changes to inheritance tax will have on family farms across the UK and the wider food supply chain.
“The rallies have been postponed until further notice. Ongoing weather warnings and respect for those involved with the clean-up operations are key factors in our decision.
“The country has faced widespread destruction and inconvenience in what has been billed ‘the storm of a century’. We want the focus to be on the clear-up that now faces us.
“Many of our members will be playing a key role in supporting that operation in rural communities across Scotland, as they do so often in crisis situations.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their understanding, especially to those who have organised these events.”
Events still took place in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
