PROTESTS across the UK have seen hundreds of farmers taking part in ‘go-slow’ drives, including roads around Reading, according to reports.
It follows changes to inheritance tax which mean that from April next year inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1m will be liable to the tax at 20%, after previously being exempt.
This is around half the usual inheritance tax rate.
Yesterday (January 9), Environment Secretary Steve Reed addressed a national farming conference in Oxford, which was beset by protests as tractors drove through the streets.
Now protests are being staged around the country, with reports of tractors driving slowly along major routes in the UK.
Reading Buses reported disruption to services due to demonstrations along the A33, though traffic had cleared by around 1.30pm this afternoon
A post to social media by Reading Buses said: “Farmers Demonstration on A33 affecting our routes serving A33.
“We are currently unable to serve Imperial Way inbound stop, all affected services are being diverted via Basingstoke Road–thank you for your patience.”
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police confirmed that officers attended the protest and that it was conducted peacefully.
They also thanked the public for their patience.
