'Forsake the pancake' - Flipped-off farmers stage Pancake Day protest in central London

Thousands of farmers flocked to central London today to take part in a Pancake Day rally, to protest proposed changes to inheritance tax laws affecting agricultural land.

The demonstration, which began around midday, saw participants marching from Whitehall towards Parliament, with the event scheduled to conclude at 3pm.

The protesters voiced strong opposition to the Labour government's plan to implement a 20% inheritance tax on farms valued over £1 million, set to take effect in April 2026.

Farmers argue that this policy, dubbed the "tractor tax," threatens the viability of family-run farms by imposing financial burdens that could force the sale of farmland to meet tax obligations. ​

In a symbolic gesture highlighting the day's significance as Pancake Day, some farmers handed out pancakes from the top of a combine harvester to supporters in Whitehall, accompanied by lively music.

This act underscored the message that without farmers, traditional foods like pancakes would be at risk, emphasising the essential role of agriculture in daily life.​

This rally marks the latest in a series of protests by the farming community against the proposed tax changes. Previous demonstrations included a significant turnout in November 2024, where thousands of farmers, accompanied by tractors, gathered in Parliament Square to express their concerns.

More recently, in February 2025, hundreds of tractors blocked streets in central London, intensifying the protests against the government's decision to end an exemption from inheritance tax for agricultural families. ​

In response to today's protest, a government spokesperson reiterated that the inheritance tax reform aims to address tax avoidance by wealthy investors purchasing farmland solely for tax benefits. The government maintains that the policy includes provisions to mitigate impacts on genuine farming operations, such as allowing tax payments to be spread over a decade. ​

As the demonstration unfolded, traffic disruptions occurred in parts of central London. However, the Metropolitan Police reported that the protest remained largely peaceful, with participants adhering to agreed-upon routes and regulations.

The farming community's persistent protests highlight the deep-seated concerns over the proposed inheritance tax changes and their potential impact on the future of British agriculture.

As the April 2026 implementation date approaches, both the government and farming representatives face increasing pressure to engage in meaningful dialogue to address these contentious issues.​

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