Jeremy Clarkson Issues Official Ban on 403 Specific People From His Pub — Who Made the List and Why?

Jeremy Clarkson Bans Over 400 People from His Pub, Cites Farming Disputes and Politics

Jeremy Clarkson, the former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter turned farmer and pub owner, has officially barred more than 400 individuals from his Cotswolds pub, The Farmer’s Dog. Among those banned are almost all current Labour MPs, with just one exception.

Clarkson, 65, has become a prominent voice in rural Britain through his Amazon series Clarkson’s Farm, which documented the trials and tribulations of managing his 1,000-acre Diddly Squat Farm. Capitalising on his farming fame, Clarkson opened The Farmer’s Dog pub, attracting visitors from across the country eager to sample locally sourced food and his own brand of Hawkstone beer. But the pub has become known not just for its rustic charm but also for Clarkson’s outspoken approach to who is — and isn’t — welcome inside.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Clarkson confirmed that he had banned all but one Labour MP from his establishment. “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,” Clarkson wrote.

Labour secured 404 seats in the 2024 General Election. With Campbell-Savours being the sole exception, Clarkson’s ban affects 403 MPs. The MP for Penrith and Solway had the party whip removed after voting against government proposals for a controversial “family farm tax,” a 20 per cent inheritance tax on estates over £1 million, which is set to come into effect from April 2026.

Clarkson’s decision highlights his longstanding opposition to policies he believes threaten rural communities. He has frequently criticised the Labour government for being “anti-farming” and has publicly campaigned alongside farmers against measures he views as damaging to family-run agricultural operations. Earlier this year, he joined protests against the inheritance tax changes, which critics argue could jeopardise the survival of generational farms.

The ban extends beyond politicians to other notable figures who have found themselves unwelcome at Clarkson’s pub over the years. These include his former Top Gear and The Grand Tour colleagues Richard Hammond and James May, as well as individuals involved in minor disputes over service, such as a woman who requested Tabasco in her Bloody Mary. Clarkson has also previously barred UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Speaking to The Sun, Clarkson said: “I was well ahead of the curve when I banned Starmer. Every Labour MP is barred now. Our annual business rates have gone up astronomically, from something like £28,000 to well over £50,000. It is a disgrace.”

The comments reflect ongoing tensions between the hospitality industry and the government over rising costs and taxation, particularly in rural areas. Many publicans and small business owners have argued that increases in business rates, energy prices, and compliance costs are placing significant financial pressure on their operations. Clarkson’s outspoken stance has resonated with many in the farming and hospitality sectors, who feel overlooked or misunderstood by political leaders.

However, the government has disputed claims that it is neglecting the hospitality industry. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told the BBC that a £4.3 billion support package had been provided to pubs, restaurants, and cafes, preventing an otherwise projected 45 per cent rise in bills next year from becoming reality. Instead, the increase has been capped at around 4 per cent.

“Without this intervention, pubs would have faced crippling costs,” the spokesperson said. “We have maintained the draught beer duty cut, eased licensing rules for pavement drinks and public events, and capped corporation tax. These measures show that the government is backing hospitality, not abandoning it.”

Despite government reassurances, Clarkson remains adamant that the current approach is insufficient. In the context of farming and hospitality policy, he has argued that the Labour government fails to appreciate the realities faced by rural communities. His decision to ban Labour MPs from The Farmer’s Dog is seen by some as symbolic of broader frustrations in the sector, combining protest with the kind of publicity that has become a hallmark of Clarkson’s public persona.

For patrons of the pub, Clarkson’s bans have become part of the establishment’s lore. While most visitors are unaffected, the exclusivity has added a sense of intrigue, reinforcing the pub’s identity as a space closely tied to Clarkson’s personal beliefs and his public critique of government policy.

The one MP spared, Markus Campbell-Savours, represents a rare exception that underscores the political context behind the ban. His willingness to oppose the Labour government’s farm tax proposals set him apart from his colleagues, earning him a place in Clarkson’s good books — and on his guest list.

As debates over inheritance tax and rural policy continue to dominate political discourse, Clarkson’s stance is likely to remain a talking point. Whether it serves as a warning, a publicity stunt, or a genuine protest, the ban highlights the intersection of celebrity influence, politics, and rural affairs in contemporary Britain.

The Farmer’s Dog, meanwhile, continues to attract visitors from across the country, offering a mix of local food, ale, and Clarkson’s characteristic wit. And for those Labour MPs barred from entry, a pint in the Cotswolds will have to wait.