Brits could face shortage of popular food item as fury soars over Reeves 'Tractor Tax'

A major food shortage could hit supermarkets this Easter as farmers prepare to halt the supply of a key ingredient used to make hot cross buns and other baked goods. Producers of milling wheat - a high-grade grain used in flour production - have warned they will stop transporting it from April 1 in protest against Rachel Reeves' so-called “Tractor Tax”.

Farmers say the Chancellor’s proposed inheritance tax changes threaten to destroy family farms and leave them unable to stay in business. The planned strike action is the latest escalation in a growing backlash, which has already seen tractors clogging central London in a mass protest. Milling wheat is essential for making bread, cakes, and Easter treats like hot cross buns.

The UK produced over 14 million tonnes of the grain last year, with around 85% of the wheat used in bread made domestically, according to industry figures.

Farming sources say they hope customers won’t panic-buy ahead of Easter weekend, but added they are prepared to keep wheat on farms until the government listens, The Sun reported.

Olly Harrison, who is leading the protests, said: "Milling wheat is staying on farms. Farmers that grow milling wheat have gone on strike from April 1.

"They will not be loading any trucks with milling wheat and we will probably run out of flour.

"So if you're wondering why the shelves are empty, get onto your local MP and say you need to help these farmers out, you can't carry on putting them out of business."

He added: "If there is rationing on bread and cakes and hot cross buns, it is the politicians' fault. It's not our fault."

The warning comes amid what some are calling a "hat-trick of horrors" for the UK economy, as the government faces rising pressure from businesses and consumers alike.

Britain could be hit with crippling US trade tariffs as early as April 2, just days before the planned National Insurance tax hike kicks in on April 6.

The government’s own fiscal watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility, recently slashed its UK growth forecast to just 1% for the next year.

Business groups are also raising the alarm over a proposed workers’ rights bill, warning it could drown firms in costly red tape.

Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, said: "Businesses are being battered by decisions made in Westminster."

Talks are ongoing with US officials in an attempt to avoid tariffs that could see prices surge and job losses mount.

Ministers have said they will continue negotiations past April 2 if necessary.