Tatton MP Esther McVey met with dozens of local farmers today at a mass rally in Westminster - as thousands descended on the capital to oppose government's inheritance tax plans.

The National Farmers' Union organised for 1,800 of its members to meet and lobby their MPs over the changes, while The Farming Forum voiced their anger at a separate demonstration in Whitehall.

Ms McVey said: "I wholly oppose any changes being made to inheritance tax affecting family farms. The changes will not only affect farmers, but it will also impact all associated businesses like farm machinery businesses and animal feed businesses and farm supplies. It will also increase the price of food and threaten the UK's food security.

"One of the many placards I saw outside said "No Farmers, No Food, No Future" – it really is that simple and government needs to listen. We need to protect our farming industry, safeguard our food security, and ensure we are not more reliant on imports."

Esther McVey outside Westminster holding placards (Image - Supplied).

Ms McVey met with local farmers as part of the mass lobby of MPs and also went out to meet other farmers taking part in the protests on Whitehall.

She added: "I am delighted so many of our local farmers were able to come to London and make their voices heard. Many told me they left at 5.30am to get here for the rally. We must keep up pressure on government to drop this ridiculous policy and I will continue to do all I can to support our farmers and all local businesses across Tatton that would feel knock on effects of this change.

Last month Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to decade old rules which exempt farms passed down to family members from inheritance tax.

Esther McVey with colleagues outside Westminster (Image - Supplied).

From April 2026, any farm worth more than £1million will have to pay 20 per cent inheritance tax. Farmers have warned many farms would not survive as the only way to pay the bill (for the majority) would be to sell off some land, making the business unviable.

The NFUs said yesterdays action was "just the start of the fight" and that farmers and growers will continue to demonstrate through future shows of "mass unity and strength" until government reverse its decision.

The events in London come days after Ms McVey also hosted a meeting at The Crown in Lower Peover which saw farmers from across the whole constituency attend and tell her of their concerns over the proposals.

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