Jeremy Clarkson, a man known for his outspoken views and unapologetic style, has become a vocal critic of the current government, specifically Prime Minister Keir Starmer. His frustration stems from what he sees as a relentless assault on the British pub industry, a cornerstone of British culture.
Clarkson opened The Farmer’s Dog pub in 2024, a venture born from his passion for rural life and community. However, the arrival of the new administration brought with it a wave of financial pressures that threaten its very existence, and the existence of countless others like it.
The core of Clarkson’s anger lies in escalating taxes and proposed changes to drink-driving laws. He argues these policies aren’t simply challenging businesses – they’re actively dismantling them, creating an environment where survival feels impossible.
He points to the experience of celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, who reportedly questioned the point of even remaining open given the mounting costs. Clarkson echoes this sentiment, detailing how the rateable value of his own pub is projected to nearly double, coupled with a substantial increase in wage bills due to national insurance hikes.
These financial burdens, Clarkson contends, are being heaped upon a public already struggling with soaring energy bills and limited mobility due to stricter driving regulations. The combined effect, he believes, is a deliberate attempt to stifle the hospitality sector.
Clarkson doesn’t believe the issue is simply a lack of understanding. He suggests a more unsettling truth: that the current government “actively hates” business, lacking any appreciation for the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The frustration isn’t merely theoretical. Clarkson has taken a dramatic step, banning all Labour MPs from The Farmer’s Dog as a direct protest against the policies he deems destructive. They join a rather eclectic list of over 400 individuals already barred from the premises.
Despite the ongoing battles, Clarkson recently secured a small victory. After a year-long struggle, he received permission to expand the pub’s grounds, adding much-needed parking space. It’s a welcome win, but one overshadowed by the larger concerns weighing on his mind.
The situation, as Clarkson sees it, is dire. He fears the current trajectory will irrevocably damage the fabric of British pub life, a loss he believes would be a profound cultural tragedy.
