November 19th will mark a pivotal moment for the countryside community, as farmers and their supporters gather in London to stand against Labour's latest budget—a move we believe to be nothing short of an attack on the very heart of rural Britain. While we regret that we cannot attend in person—Kate is 30 weeks pregnant, and her wellbeing is our priority—we are determined to show our unwavering support in other ways. This blog post is a declaration of our deep respect for the farming and countryside communities and an unflinching critique of Labour's misguided policies. These decisions amount to a thinly-veiled land grab, orchestrated by those who clearly neither understand nor value the rich heritage and essential work of rural Britain. We stand firmly opposed to these abhorrent measures and in full support of those fighting to protect the countryside way of life.
Firstly, it is vital to dispel the grossly inaccurate stereotype perpetuated by the ill-informed—that farmers are wealthy individuals simply seeking to avoid inheritance tax as a means of hoarding wealth. The truth is far from this oversimplified and misguided narrative. Most farmers are asset-rich but cash-poor, their livelihoods tied up in the land and machinery they need to sustain their work. A quick glance at Clarkson’s Farm illustrates the extraordinary challenges faced by farmers today: labyrinthine policies that make day-to-day operations nearly impossible, grants and subsidies riddled with inconsistencies that shift priorities year after year, relentless pressure from supermarkets squeezing prices to unsustainable levels, and the absurd consumer standards dictating that a carrot must be perfectly straight or a potato flawless.
Farms, like any business, rely on turnover, and most farmers reinvest their hard-earned profits directly back into their passion—farming. The reality is far from glamorous. Many farmers we know drive battered, decades-old vehicles, wear coats that cost them a fortune years ago and are now worn thin, and carry the weight of exhaustion under their eyes because they haven’t taken a holiday in years—or in some cases, ever. This is not the picture of wealth and luxury painted by Labour and their supporters, but one of resilience, sacrifice, and an unrelenting dedication to feeding a nation that so often takes them for granted.
It’s clear that Keir Starmer and his band of envious liars are not interested in reversing their abhorrent decision to strip the winter fuel allowance from some of the most vulnerable members of our community. After all, they’ve chosen to prioritise fully funded heated hotel rooms for those arriving in this country illegally over ensuring pensioners can afford to stay warm. Given this appalling precedent, it seems unlikely they will change course on this equally disastrous element of their budget.
This decision is built on a foundation of ignorance and a patronising, out-of-touch view of the countryside as a quaint place for a day out, rather than the thriving, essential hub of food production and community that it truly is. Labour, and perhaps some of the wider public, are grossly underestimating the strength and resilience of farmers, the farming community, and the broader countryside population. Unlike pensioners now forced to choose between eating and heating this winter, the countryside is a force to be reckoned with. But should Labour succeed in pushing through this policy, let’s take a moment to explore the devastating consequences it will unleash.
Imagine a mother and father, after dedicating their lives to running a family farm, passing away and leaving the land to their children to continue the legacy. Despite already paying numerous taxes over the years, those children will now face the added burden of inheritance tax. As Starmer so “kindly” boasts, a small exemption will apply, and a payment plan may be available. But here’s the reality: farmland, due to rampant interest from developers, is valued far beyond what most families can afford. To cover the inheritance tax bill, these children will be forced to sell off parcels of their land.
This land, inevitably, will be snapped up by property developers eager to plaster the countryside with cheap, characterless housing estates that clash with local aesthetics and fail to contribute any meaningful infrastructure to the community. Alternatively, it might go to corporations or the government for wind farms, solar panels, or sprawling industrial farms. Piece by piece, the family farm will shrink. With each sale, the business becomes less viable—unable to produce the necessary food volumes or provide enough grazing land for livestock. What was once a thriving farm supporting a family and the local economy will become unworkable. Over time, the countryside will lose its essence: its rich heritage of small, family-run farms giving way to corporate interests, soulless developments, and government land grabs.
At first glance, you might wonder why a garage like Overdrive Motors is so deeply passionate about the farming cause. The answer is simple: we are a proud part of the countryside community. Located at Sussex Game Farm, down a winding country lane just outside the village of Kirdford, we are surrounded by farmland and steeped in the traditions and heritage of rural life. We don’t just work here; we live here. Our rented cottage is on a farm where Henry VIII himself once hunted across the land outside our window. Our landlord, a dedicated farmer, runs a small family farm with a herd of cows. He isn’t rich. He doesn’t live a life of luxury. He works tirelessly, 24/7, to keep the farm going—a lifestyle mirrored by so many others in the farming community. Beyond this, we have family members who are farmers, friends who depend on the farming industry, and a deep appreciation for countryside pursuits that rely on the land and the kindness of those who care for it.
Living in the countryside means your life is inextricably linked to the work of farmers, even if it isn’t always obvious. That tree blocking the road after a storm? A farmer probably cleared it before sunrise to make sure you could get to work. The snow on back roads that gritters ignore? Cleared by a farmer so you could drop your children off at school safely. The footpath you walked down, free of brambles? Maintained by a farmer proud to be a caretaker for the land. Those neatly trimmed hedges along the road? Managed by a farmer who knows when to trim without disturbing nesting birds. The Christmas tractor run, spreading joy through local villages? Farmers. Get stuck in a ditch? Who’s the first person you call? A farmer.
Farmers are the backbone of rural communities, quietly doing the work that keeps everything running, often without thanks. And yet, so many now find themselves unsupported, their immense contributions overlooked, as the government introduces policies that threaten not only their livelihoods but the very fabric of countryside life. Labour’s decisions aren’t just an attack on farmers; they’re an attack on the countryside itself, threatening to erode a cornerstone of British culture and sustainability. This is not progress; it’s a travesty, and we must stand united to protect the lifeblood of our rural communities.
Today, we stand in spirit with the farmers marching in protest, hoping this blog sheds light on why we feel so strongly about this issue. The countryside is not just a backdrop; it’s a way of life that depends on the resilience and hard work of farmers. As the saying goes: No Farmers, No Food. We will continue to support this community, whether it means joining future strikes or taking a stronger stance, much like the French. The message is clear: farming is not just a job—it’s the heart of rural Britain, and it must be protected.
Comments