JEREMY Clarkson will defy health fears to join up to 20,000 farmers protesting in Westminster over the hated “tractor tax”.
The Clarkson’s Farm star, 64 — recovering after a life-saving heart op — said the planned inheritance levy was “a hugely important issue” for everyone.
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He told The Sun: “I will be there, despite having letters from doctors telling me not to go on the march and saying I must avoid stress.”
With him will be show co-star Kaleb Cooper.
Angry Jeremy will leave Diddly Squat Farm to lead a squad of country workers into battle tomorrow against the Government.
They will join thousands protesting over inheritance tax plans that they fear could see many family farms having to be sold off.
READ MORE ON THE TRACTOR TAX
Jeremy, whose Clarkson’s Farm shows have been a huge hit, told The Sun: “We have got two coaches of farmers from around here who are leaving from Diddly Squat. It is a hugely important issue.”
Farmers are furious at a “tractor tax” that would see a 20 per cent levy slapped on holdings valued above £1million.
They argue that while land, buildings, equipment and animals may add up to such a figure, the only way extra cash could be found would be by selling up.
Up to 20,000 expected protesters are backed by an online petition — Overturn the Family Farm Tax — that has so far got 200,000 signatures.
Jeremy’s Cotswolds contingent, set to include his co-stars Kaleb Cooper and “Cheerful” Charlie Ireland, are also armed with a new opinion poll.
It shows Jezza and money guru Martin Lewis are more popular than any politicians.
The survey by J.L. Partners gave Lewis a +53 rating with Clarkson on +17. PM Sir Keir Starmer got -22. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who announced the tax changes in last month’s Budget, was on -16. New Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch scored -1.
Told he was more trusted, Jeremy joked: “I’d become an MP – but if I am paying inheritance tax I could not afford to take the pay cut.”
The tax changes are due in April 2026. The Treasury claims they will affect just 27 per cent of farms, but the National Farmers’ Union say around two in three will be hit.
It has publicly urged members not to strike or disrupt food supplies. However, there are fears of possible blockades.
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Rally organiser Olly Harrison said: “The older generation now feel they’re a burden.”
Colleague Clive Bailye added: “We have people who feel like they have nothing to lose.”
Ms Badenoch said: “Labour clearly doesn’t understand or care about rural communities.”
FRENCH FOOD DEAL FURY
FUMING French farmers blocked roads yesterday as they continued nationwide protests over a new trade deal.
They claim the agreement with the EU and South America’s Mercosur block will lead to a flood of cheap imports and ruin French businesses. Their protest outside Paris saw a banner proclaim: “Don’t import the food we don’t want.”
There were similar scenes near Montpelier and Avignon in the south of the country.
They came amid calls for prolonged nationwide action. French farmers have a long track record of demonstrations.
This year they have hit out at low food prices and fears of reductions in state subsidies.
Last year massive protests against imports blocked key parts of the transport network.
