Clarkson tells Tory conference farmers are being 'attacked from everywhere'

Jeremy Clarkson made a surprise appearance on stage at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham on Monday, telling delegates that farmers were being “attacked” from every angle by rising costs.

The Clarkson’s Farm presenter appeared alongside land agent Charlie Ireland in a session led by shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins. Clarkson said problems had been caused by international conflict and criticised Labour’s family-farm tax changes, while calling it a “terrible” year for farming because of the hot weather.

Asked about the pressures facing rural businesses, Clarkson said: “Why would anybody set up a business in this country right now?” He revealed he had considered opening a second pub, but said he would sooner look abroad, telling delegates he might try “somewhere” overseas instead. At his Farmer’s Dog pub, he said, the National Insurance bill had risen by about £146,000 and fuel costs by another £30,000 following the crisis involving Iran. “Just when you get it to profitability, along they come,” he said.

Clarkson also mocked Labour MP Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, who recently described Britain’s image of country pubs and black Labradors as a “nostalgic” false memory.

Labour ended unlimited 100 per cent inheritance tax relief on agricultural and business property from April this year, setting the full-relief allowance at £1 million — a change Clarkson has campaigned against.

Sources:

• PA Wire / Evening Standard: https://www.ghanamma.com/2026/10/05/clarkson-tells-tory-conference-farmers-being-attacked-from-everywhere/
• The Sun: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/40586503/clarkson-blasts-burnham-labour-business-britain/
• The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/tory-conservative-conference-latest-news-live-speech-andrew-griffith-wqt392pl3