UK farm protests ignite climate conspiracy theories
A farmers’ protest in Westminster over inheritance tax reforms has become a flashpoint for conspiracy theories targeting climate policies, driven by figures like Jeremy Clarkson and fringe groups.
Adam Barnett and Joey Grostern report for DeSmog.
In short:
- Farmers protested a Labour plan to end tax exemptions on farms worth over £1 million, drawing criticism from multiple political parties and advocacy groups.
- Protestors and conspiracy theorists linked the policy to broader anti-net-zero and anti-immigration narratives, including claims of a socialist agenda.
- Figures like Jeremy Clarkson and groups like “No Farmers, No Food” amplified these theories, citing fears of land seizures and restrictions.
Key quote:
“The way these reforms have been handled – sprung on farmers after all the signals were to leave the reliefs alone – is also a gift to those who would seek to ferment a culture war in farming.”
— Tom Lancaster, land, food and farming analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit
Why this matters:
Fringe conspiracy theories exploiting genuine policy disputes risk undermining critical climate and environmental initiatives. The rise of anti-net-zero rhetoric in farming communities complicates efforts to align agricultural practices with climate goals.
