Jeremy Clarkson issues scathing takedown of 'soul-destroying' Labour as farming community faces financial distress

Lauren Williams
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:55:57 +0000

Jeremy Clarkson has launched a scathing attack on the Labour government over its approach to farming, describing the plight of agricultural workers as "absolutely soul-destroying."

The 66-year-old television presenter, who stars in the popular Amazon series Clarkson's Farm, made the comments during an appearance on the Farmers Weekly Podcast.

The former Top Gear host criticised Keir Starmer's administration, expressing deep concern for those working the land across Britain.

"It must be just utterly soul-destroying. Absolutely soul-destroying," Mr Clarkson said, lamenting the financial pressures facing the farming community under current government policies.

Clarkson admitted that his own Diddly Squat farm operated at a financial loss during the previous year, yet he acknowledged being in a privileged position compared to most agricultural workers.

"I'm in an extremely fortunate position with other income streams," he explained. "I can't even begin to imagine how awful it must be for farmers who don't host Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, which is most farmers."

The presenter, who earns an estimated £3 million annually from his television work, reflected on the emotional toll of losing money despite considerable effort.

"It hurts you enough when you lose money," he said. "You think 'Christ, we put a lot of work into that' and then you still lose money."

Mr Clarkson expressed hope that a change in government would bring relief to struggling farmers across the country.

"So, when we get rid of this government, somebody, hopefully a little more enlightened, will come along and it'll all get better," he stated during the podcast interview.

The presenter acknowledged feeling a sense of despair about the current situation whilst recognising the fundamental importance of food production.

"But I do agree that people need to eat somehow," he remarked.

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When asked about potential solutions, Mr Clarkson offered a resigned response: "What can you do other than cross your fingers and hope?"

Supporters rallied behind Mr Clarkson's comments after a clip from the podcast was shared on social media platforms.

One Instagram follower wrote: "No farmers, no food!!! How is this so hard to understand for governments that seem to do everything to put them out of business and ruin their lives?"

Another commenter suggested Labour had erred with its inheritance tax scheme affecting farms, whilst a third argued against relying on state assistance altogether.

Mr Clarkson, who previously fronted Top Gear alongside James May and Richard Hammond, acquired the Oxfordshire property in 2008 when it was known as Curdle Hill Farm.

His estimated net worth now stands at approximately £59 million.