Why are British farmers striking and will it affect supermarket supplies?

Farmers are striking, they are in dispute with the Labour government over inheritance tax, falling farm subsidies and falling farm incomes.

Transcript

00:00Some UK farmers are striking over Labour's inheritance tax changes, subsidy cuts and falling farm incomes,

00:08which they argue jeopardise their livelihoods and the nation's food security.

00:14The inheritance tax reforms limit 100% relief to the first £1m of combined agricultural and business property,

00:24potentially forcing farmers to sell land to cover tax bills.

00:29While Labour claims most farms will not be affected, critics argue that more than 60%

00:34exceed the threshold, particularly those with high-value land. This comes alongside

00:41reduced subsidies and soaring input costs, further eroding profits.

00:47In Wales, farmers have begun withholding meat and crops in protest,

00:52with some warning that it could lead to empty supermarket shelves if strikes expand.

00:57National Farmers Union President Tom Bradshaw cautions that the government's approach

01:03threatens food production, already under strain from poor weather and high costs.

01:09While current actions are unlikely to cause immediate shortages,

01:13prolonged disruptions could impact supply chains, especially for British produce,

01:19leaving consumers to face higher prices or rely more on imports.