FARMERS across Somerset have parked their tractors on motorway bridges in the county, united in protest.
Bridges along the M5 from near Taunton at Junction 25, as far up to near Gloucester at Junction 10, became the protest spots of farmers for hours on November 24.
South west farmers also covered bridges on the A30, A38, A361, and A303 in a "day of unity" with other farmers doing the same across the country.
READ MORE: Farmers march on Parliament in Pancake Day protest against inheritance tax
READ MORE: Taunton business owner advocates for farmers amid London protests
A group of farmers have revealed why they were protesting in this way and exactly who it is against.
Two farmers in the county have spoken on the "pressures" facing farmers under current government legislation right now - with the inheritance tax rise from April 2026 factually a sharp increase from the previous 100 per cent relief that has been in place for a decade.
Victoria, who is a farmer from Somerset, said: "I am taking part in the 'Day Of Unity' because I believe it is important for farmer's voices to be heard and for the reality of rural life to be understood.
"Right now, Labour's policies are having a massive impact on mine and my husband's farm. From rising costs, tighter regulations, and more uncertainty over our future, its becoming harder to plan, invest, and keep the farming business sustainable.
"And with the added pressure of the impending inheritance tax its going to become a impossible situation. These pressures aren't just affecting me, they're affecting farmers all across the entire farming community. Farmers are worried about viability, food production, and the future of their family farms.
"Ultimately, it affects the public too. If farms struggle, food prices rise and importing costs of goods increase, meaning we're losing locally produced British food.
"Strong farming means strong communities, strong economies, and food security for everyone."
The UK's annual budget is set to be announced on November 26, with many rumours circulating on what Labour will do after Rachel Reeves and the Labour government claimed the previous Conservative government had left the public finances in a dire state via a "22 billion black hole", with several crucial public services and pay awards left unfunded.
Last year, at the Labour Party's first budget under the current government, plans to tax inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1 million at a rate of 20 per cent were announced - a tax affecting a large proportion of farmers in the UK.
The Country Land and Business Association estimated that 70,000 farms will be hit by the new legislation following the government announcement, forcing many to sell land or take out loans to pay the tax.
Richard White, who is a beef and sheep farmer, was protesting near Taunton, he said: "We are out covering bridges on the A30, A38, A361, A303, and the M5 in a show of unity with other farmers around the country.
"We were lighting up the bridges from 4pm-7pm to show the government that we are not happy with their policies on IHT [Inheritance Tax], farming support, and food security.
"Farmers will go out of business if things do not change.
"The family farm will die and businesses that rely on farmers will also suffer as we have seen around the country with machinery dealers affected especially bad.
"We are united together to show that we're not giving up. We want to continue to produce food for this country. Food security should be priority number one on any government's agenda."
A Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) government spokesperson responded to the protests, adding: “Farmers are stewards for our nation’s land and for our food security. Farming also plays a central role in our mission to kickstart economic growth.
“That is why we are backing them through new technology, streamlined regulation and our nature-friendly farming schemes that are helping farmers produce food for the nation. Our reforms to Agricultural and Business Property Relief are vital to fix the public services we all rely on.”
In November 2024, many farmers took to London in protest and the Metropolitan Police have confirmed that they are aware of another planned protest on November 26.
A slow moving convoy of tractors will travel through into central London on budget day while protestors on foot will speak their minds on Whitehall.
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