James May wades into Labour tax row with stark challenge amid Clarkson’s farming outrage
James May has issued a challenge to Labour ministers amid a furious tax row over farming inheritance.
The 61-year-old added his voice to the farmer’s rancour spearheaded by his friend and co-presenter of 22 years, Jeremy Clarkson.
May became part owner of The Royal Oak pub, found in the Wiltshire village of Swallowcliffe, which is supplied by local produce.
Last month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced an end to inheritance tax exemption for farms worth over £1million – slapping farmers with a 20 per cent tax when trying to pass their farm on.
Fellow Top Gear alum Clarkson, following his wildly successful Prime show Clarkson’s Farm, has become a champion for British farmers and has vehemently opposed the tax raid.
After news that farmers would protest the budget with a demonstration in London and a “national strike” on supplies, May broke his silence.
May became part owner of The Royal Oak in 2020
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On X, formally Twitter, one user raged: “Every Labour politician also needs to be banned from every pub, cafe and restaurant and farmers market stall holders need to refuse to serve them. Blacklist the b*******!”
May, speaking on the issue for the first time, responded: “As the (part) owner of a rural pub, I disagree.”
However, the 61-year-old then issued a challenge: “I’d love to have Government ministers in for a pint. I believe the locals would have some interesting questions for them.”
His post generated much debate, with many supporting the suggestion.
Farmers are protesting Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Autumn budget
PA
“Here here, huge respect James as always,” one wrote.
“Agreed, Mr. May. Might be what’s needed to open some eyes and ears to what said ministers and their policies are doing to the voting population,” another responded.
A third agreed, arguing that facing scrutiny in the pub “should be mandatory” for Government ministers.
However, not all were supportive of May’s challenge. One user fumed: “You wealthy whingers have quickly forgotten the economic and political chaos caused by Truss and Johnson.”
May responded: “I’m merely pointing out that pubs are places for debate.”
May has so far remained tight-lipped on his thoughts on the upcoming farmer’s demonstration in London on Tuesday.
As the (part) owner of a rural pub, I disagree. I’d love to have government ministers in for a pint. I believe the locals would have some interesting questions for them. https://t.co/6pomA3y8p1
— James May (@MrJamesMay) November 14, 2024
Clarkson has not pulled his punches, declaring he believes the government plans to “ethnically cleanse the countryside of farmers”.
Writing in The Sun, he said: “That’s why they had a Budget which makes farming nigh on impossible. And that’s why I’ll be in London on the 19th.”
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