Jeremy Clarkson Raises Alarm Over the Future of British Farming
Jeremy Clarkson has voiced renewed concern about the future of farming in the UK, warning that even recent government changes may not be enough to protect family-run farms like his own Diddly Squat. Writing in his column for The Sun, the broadcaster reacted to the government’s U-turn on the family farm inheritance tax, which raised the tax-free threshold from £1 million to £2.5 million.
While acknowledging the increase, Clarkson cautioned that the damage is far from avoided. According to him, roughly half of all UK farms could still be affected, placing immense pressure on generational farming businesses already operating on thin margins.
“City Types” and Hedge Funds Threaten Rural Life
Clarkson warned that rising tax pressure could force traditional farms into the hands of investors with no farming background. He argued that hedge funds and wealthy “City types” would buy up farmland, fundamentally changing the countryside.
“Farming’s hard,” Clarkson wrote. “Unless you start at the age of three, you won’t be able to do it very well.” Drawing from his own experience at Diddly Squat Farm, he stressed that farming knowledge is built over a lifetime, not learned overnight by investors chasing tax advantages.
Stress on Farmers and Broken Family Legacies
Beyond economics, Clarkson highlighted the emotional toll the tax places on farmers. He pointed out that many farmers live with the stress of knowing they may not be able to pass their farms on to their children — often the only people truly equipped to run them.
Clarkson questioned the government’s reasoning behind the tax altogether, asking bluntly why it exists in the first place. “The fight goes on,” he declared, signalling that he has no intention of backing down from speaking out.
A Personal Health Transformation
Away from farming, Clarkson also shared updates on his health, revealing a dramatic weight-loss journey. Since January, he has lost three stone with the help of medical injections, alongside major lifestyle changes following emergency heart surgery in late 2024.
He explained that he now walks more, sleeps better, and feels significantly more energised — especially after having stents fitted. While he still enjoys the occasional curry, he has cut out snacking, which he admitted used to fill him up without realising it.
“Energised” and Feeling Healthier Than Ever
In recent interviews, Clarkson said the changes have had a noticeable impact on his daily life. He described feeling healthier, more active, and far more energetic than before, a stark contrast to the health scare that forced him to reassess his lifestyle.
This is not the first time Clarkson has spoken openly about the impact of his weight loss, but he has made it clear the changes are not about slowing down — they are about staying in the game.
No Plans to Slow Down at 65
At 65, Clarkson insists retirement is not on the cards. He has said that without work, he would simply “rot,” reinforcing his belief that staying busy is essential to his wellbeing.
That mindset is reflected in his latest project, as ITV confirmed Clarkson will host Millionaire Hot Seat, a new fast-paced spin on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, set to launch in January 2026.
A High-Stakes Twist on a Classic Format
The show introduces a tactical twist, with six contestants competing for control of a rotating “hot seat.” Only the contestant in that seat can answer questions, but they may choose to pass — sending themselves to the back of the line. A wrong answer means elimination and a reduction in the prize pot.
Clarkson summed it up perfectly: “It’s a very expensive game of musical chairs. You can be the most brilliant player and go home with nothing — or be useless and walk away with the prize.”
