Thousands of farmers are gearing up to gather in London to demonstrate against the government’s decision to expand inheritance tax, a move that has sparked outrage within the farming community. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has expressed concerns about a potential “militant” response from farmers in light of this decision.
The protest, which has been granted approval by the Metropolitan Police, is being organized in conjunction with a lobbying event by the NFU. Clive Bailye, the organizer of the protest and founder of The Farming Forum, has seen a surge in registrations for the event, with over 2,000 sign-ups in the first two hours.
While the NFU is holding a “mass lobby” event on the same day to petition MPs to reverse the changes in the Budget affecting agricultural and business property relief, they have made it clear that their event will not be a protest. The NFU has also stated that there are legal constraints preventing large numbers of members from taking to the streets of Westminster.
Despite concerns about safety and public support, the Met Police have confirmed that they have not prohibited anyone from marching on the scheduled date. NFU president Tom Bradshaw emphasized that the union is supporting the protest organized by a group of farmers, but they cannot assume responsibility for the actions of individuals on the streets.
In response to the planned events, the Met Police has stated that they are willing to work with any organization or individual looking to organize a peaceful protest in London. They reiterated their commitment to upholding public safety, preventing crime, and minimizing disruption to the community.
This demonstration highlights the frustrations and concerns of farmers regarding the government’s policies, particularly those related to inheritance tax. The unity and determination of the farming community to voice their grievances in a peaceful manner underscores the importance of dialogue and engagement between policymakers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
