Farmers' tax protest portrays mounting concern for a sector that feels like it's being pushed aside

Heavy sleet and rain would, in any other circumstance, put off thousands of protesters from heading onto the streets - but not this group.

An estimated 13,000 farmers brought Whitehall to a standstill, hoping their protest would force the government into a U-turn on inheritance tax.

But, for the moment, that doesn't look likely.

Many told me they feel let down by Labour, hoping the party would bring a different attitude to their industry.

Laura Montgomery and her family run a small family farm in Berkshire: "It's disappointing. It's sad. We want to pay taxes. We're okay with that. But the impact is so great," she said.

The atmosphere was peaceful - not a surprise among British farmers who are often worried about how they are perceived.

"We must keep the public on side," one told me, adding that more violent protests seen in France and elsewhere are unlikely to be replicated here.

Having said that, when I asked one during a live report what would happen next if the government doesn't scrap the plans, his response was: "Today is peaceful…that's all I'll say."

There is, of course, one man that sparks a media frenzy rarely seen in farming.

As TV presenter-come-farmer Jeremy Clarkson headed towards the stage it was a proper scrum to get cameras in.

When I asked him what his word to the government was: "Please back down, Please back down."

He's faced criticism for buying his farm to avoid inheritance tax - something he denies, claiming it was instead to shoot birds. But as he took to the stage, he got the biggest cheer.

"I beg the government to accept this was rushed through, wasn't thought out, and was a mistake. That's the big thing to do - admit it, and back down."

Politics latest: Starmer hits back at Clarkson's claims

There remains huge disagreement over just how many farms will be impacted - the National Farmers' Union and Treasury continue to clash.

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But on the ground, there was no shortage of farmers willing to explain how the tax would impact them.

Huw and Jen Ellis from Welshpool run a 1,500-acre beef and sheep farm that's been in the family for 120 years.

The budget plans would leave them with a £2m tax bill.

"Well, we'd happily pay it if we're paid a fair price for the products that we produce," Jen said.

"We people expect very cheap food, but we produce food to the highest standard in the world and there's a huge differential there."

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Inheritance tax isn't the only reason farmers came out today.

Cheap imports, subsidy changes and product miss-labelling are all mounting concerns for a sector that feels like it's being pushed aside.

As the farmers head home - there seems little chance of this problem going away.

The prime minister "hugely values farmers", we're told - right now, there aren't many who believe him.

(c) Sky News 2024: Farmers' tax protest portrays mounting concern for a sector that feels like it's being pushed aside