Jeremy Clarkson hit back at a social media user who suggested a boycott of his Cotswolds pub The Farmer’s Dog.
The TV presenter turned farmer, 65, has recently barred more than 400 Labour MPs from the establishment in protest at the government's tax raid on hospitality.
The Clarkson's Farm star banned Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer from The Farmer's Dog when it opened last year. Now the 65-year-old has extended the boycott to Sir Keir's entire party after his annual business rates bill increased from £28,000 to over £50,000.
In response to Clarkson’s new policy, one user on X suggested people should stop drinking in his pub.
“It's time for us all to get out of Jeremy Clarkson's pub and into somewhere more welcoming,” they suggested on X.
“Whatever it is he is *farming*, we'd rather raise a pint to those less aligned to right-leaning sentiments and more aligned with majority values and interests.”
The social media user's suggestion was promptly dismissed by many, and the Clarkson responded in his typical humour.
"Okey doke. Off you go," he replied.
His post was welcomed by many fans, including one who wrote: “If I ever end up back in England I plan on going to The Farmers Dog. Loved Top Gear and Love Clarkson’s Farm. I try not to make my dining decisions based on politics. Seems a pathetic way to live.”
The former Top Gear presenter has joined around 50 pubs across the country displaying "No Labour MPs" signs in fury at the massive business rates increases hitting the industry.
“I was well ahead of the curve when I banned Starmer. Every Labour MP is barred now,” he told The Sun. “Our annual business rates have gone up astronomically from something like £28,000 to well over £50,000. It is a disgrace.”
A day after writing the column he added on X: “To be clear, I have banned all Labour MPs from my pub, except one: Markus Campbell-Savours. He’s welcome any time. And not just because the Labour Party has now sacked him.”
Earlier this month, Campbell-Savours had the party whip suspended after he rebelled and voted against the Government’s plans to impose inheritance tax on farmers.
James Fowler, who owns the Larder House pub in Bournemouth and came up with the ban idea, said venues are “absolutely being taxed out”.
“You just feel like you are being ignored all the time, so it is a very direct and clear message that we are not happy with Labour MPs and the hidden taxes they have thrown onto us,” he said.
