Jeremy Clarkson has launched a scathing attack on Britain's decline over the past two decades, claiming the country has "fallen off a cliff to rock bottom".
Despite finding personal success in the farming and pub industry through his hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson's Farm, the TV star highlighted how other farmers and landlords are struggling to survive amid government cuts.
Clarkson has been particularly vocal about the challenges facing the agricultural sector, even joining thousands of farmers in London to protest against inheritance tax hikes introduced by Keir Starmer's Labour Government.
His criticisms span from deteriorating infrastructure to rising crime rates, with particular focus on London's decline.
Clarkson has been particularly vocal about the challenges facing the agricultural sector, even joining thousands of farmers in London to protest against inheritance tax
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According to Clarkson, London has been hit particularly hard by the country's decline.
"London's really suffering I think. You see streets and think, 'God, this was thriving not that long ago'; now it's all boarded up or charity shops," he told The Telegraph.
The TV personality expressed concerns about rising crime rates in the capital. "As you walk around, for the first time, in all of London, you're conscious about not being on your phone. It's a big change," he said.
Clarkson blamed "socialism" for the deterioration, citing multiple infrastructure problems. "The sewage doesn't work. Mobile phone coverage has got worse. And the potholes. I know I'm sounding like an old person now, but it's shocking."
He also questioned government spending, adding: "I don't know what they do with the money."
Clarkson has not minced words when it comes to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, particularly following the Labour Government's controversial inheritance tax hikes for farmers.
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While facing his own challenges at Diddly Squat Farm, Clarkson has encountered numerous setbacks
GETTY"He's annoying," Clarkson said bluntly of the Prime Minister. "Even when he's not being annoying, he sounds annoying."
The TV presenter's criticism extended to Starmer's appearance, questioning his priorities. "He's got somebody else's spectacles. How much time does he spend every day on his hair? I don't understand. I just get up and have hair for the day."
Clarkson added: "He has to put things in his hair, which means he is concentrating on his appearance. And any man who concentrates on his appearance is a little suspect, in my view."
The inheritance tax changes prompted Clarkson to join thousands of farmers in London protests, demonstrating his solidarity with the agricultural community against the government's fiscal policies.
While facing his own challenges at Diddly Squat Farm, Clarkson has encountered numerous setbacks including "a disappearing Kaleb Cooper" and "a particularly violent pig."
The fourth season of Clarkson's Farm is currently streaming on Amazon Prime
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO PRESS OFFICEThe farmer-turned-presenter has also battled six months of rain that left farmers concerned for their crops.
Clarkson noted that each year brings new troubles to his farm - from Covid in the first year to council battles in the second, followed by devastating pig losses in the third.
Despite these difficulties, Clarkson remains resilient and has expanded his agricultural empire with The Farmer's Dog pub in Burford, Oxfordshire.
He believes this venture could offer a solution to the struggling farming industry, promoting a model where farmers grow and sell their own products directly to consumers through reasonably priced pub meals.
The fourth season of Clarkson's Farm is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.
