'If we don't have a next generation, there will be no future for farming.It is the backbone of this country.Without it, we cannot survive'

worried that they inheritance tax they make a profit'

- Martyn Brown, Steph Spryo and Christian Calgie

KEMI Badenoch warns that Labour's "cruel" tax on farmers will destroy the industry in Britain for future generations.

And the Tory leader called on ministers backtrack on to the policy announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Budget "so our young farmers have a future to inherit".

Ms Badenoch's stark warning came as she joined 10,000 farmers and celebrities including Jeremy Clarkson and Andrew Lloyd Webber who descended on Whitehall angered by changes that would see a 20% levy slapped on holdings valued above £1million.

Vowing to reverse the tax "at the first opportunity", she said: "Labour's family farm tax will destroy farming in Britain.

"The young farmers I speak to are worried that they will be paying off inheritance tax for decades before they make a profit.

"And if that is the situation then they will leave farming altogether.

"If we don't have a next generation, there will be no future for farming. Farming is the backbone of this country. Without it, we cannot survive.

"Labour must U-turn and end this cruel policy so that our young farmers have a future to inherit."

Mr Clarkson, star of Amazon Prime's hit show Clarkson's Farm, said "it's the end" for farmers, as he called for the Government to reverse the "tractor tax".

The former Top Gear presenter said the change to inheritance tax was "a very rushed last-minute decision", adding: "We all make mistakes in life. It's time for them to say 'you know what, we've cocked this one up a bit' and back down."