Rachel Reeves appears in Clarkson's Farm S4 finale as Clarkson slams farming policy

Clarkson's Farm's fourth series concluded its final episode following a surprise appearance from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, as her face flashed on screen alongside her red budget box. 

The image of the Chancellor, which was visible for a split second on screen, appeared as former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson mused about whether things could get worse for farmers.

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Resilience

Mr Clarkson praised farmers' resilience and ability to ‘roll with the blows' and keep going in the face of significant industry challenges.

"This mantra of stoic optimism is what keeps the farmers going," he said

"Fighting the odds, rolling with the blows, doing what they do to make food.

"It's a mantra I realised I'd have to adopt.

"You keep going because you believe next year couldn't possibly be any worse."

Although Ms Reeves' appearance was brief, it reflected themes present throughout this fourth series of the hit Prime Video show, particularly the impact of Government policy on farmers, as prices rise, subsidies change and agricultural land continues to be taken out of food production. 

@ollyblogsagricontract #farm #farming #clarksonsfarm #series4 #budget ♬ original sound - Olly blogs

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When asked about the Chancellor's surprise appearance on X, the famously blunt Cotswolds farmer responded, suggesting the Chancellor had 'shafted farmers'.

Inheritance Tax

Notably, the impact of the proposed changes to Inheritance Tax reliefs on farming are not otherwise referenced in the series, as filming predated last year's Autumn Budget. 

However, Mr Clarkson has addressed the omission and has confirmed these changes would be covered in the fifth series. 

Mr Clarkson said: "[Inheritance Tax] will be covered in season five.

Referencing reforms to Winter Fuel Payments, he continued: "When season four was filmed, Labour were still doing pensioners, they had not got round to farming."

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Mr Clarkson has previously come out in support of farmers against the current Labour Government and its farming policy. 

Series Five

Last year, following the announcement of the Autumn Budget, he said: "Farmers, I know that you have been shafted today. 

"But please don't despair. Just look after yourselves for five short years and this shower will be gone."

With the proposed policy changes on the horizon, series five of Clarkson's Farm promises to be the most politically loaded yet.

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