Jeremy Clarkson, the outspoken farmer and former television presenter, has dramatically escalated his protest against government policies, enacting a sweeping ban at his pub, The Farmer’s Dog. He hasn’t barred just one or two individuals, but a staggering 403 people – every Labour Member of Parliament.
The action isn’t a spontaneous outburst. It’s a direct response to what Clarkson describes as “astronomical” increases in business rates, jumping from around £28,000 to over £50,000 annually. He views this as a crippling blow to his business and a symptom of a larger problem plaguing the hospitality industry.
This isn’t the first time Clarkson has wielded the door policy as a form of protest. Prime Minister Keir Starmer already found himself unwelcome, alongside anyone daring to request Tabasco in a Bloody Mary. But this latest move signifies a far broader statement of discontent.
Clarkson’s frustration extends beyond mere financial concerns. In a recent column, he sharply criticized both Starmer and Andy Burnham, suggesting Burnham would be better served continuing his work in Greater Manchester rather than attempting to lead the Labour party. He openly declared his desire to see Labour defeated, believing their leadership is detrimental to the country.
The struggle to turn a profit at The Farmer’s Dog is a constant source of aggravation for Clarkson. Despite a steady stream of customers, he finds it “nigh-on impossible” to achieve financial success, a situation he attributes to the burden of excessive taxation.
However, there’s one Labour MP who has been granted an exception: Markus Campbell Savours. Clarkson publicly welcomed him “any time,” playfully adding that it wasn’t just because Savours had recently been removed from the Labour Party. Savours earned this reprieve by voting against government plans impacting inherited farmland, aligning with Clarkson’s own concerns.
Clarkson’s actions are part of a growing movement, “Taxed Out,” a campaign protesting the rising business rates impacting pubs and restaurants. Participating establishments are displaying posters and beermats emblazoned with the message “No Labour MPs,” signaling their solidarity.
The Taxed Out campaign asserts that the hospitality sector has already lost 89,000 jobs since the recent budget, citing cancelled investments and business closures. They argue that hospitality businesses are unfairly burdened with the highest tax rate of any industry in the UK.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, highlighting a £4.3 billion support package designed to mitigate rising bills. They emphasized that without this intervention, pubs would have faced a 45% increase, reduced to just 4% thanks to government action.
Clarkson has previously voiced his opposition to Labour’s policies, notably flashing an image of Chancellor Rachel Reeves on screen during his show while criticizing her proposed inheritance tax rules. He believes these rules threaten the future of farming and the nation’s food security.
