Furious farmers demand change as they descend on London in tractors
Around 10 tractors were pictured driving through the capital.
Farmers have descended on London over concerns about inheritance tax changes, rising costs and foreign food imports. The demonstration saw multiple tractors head past Baker Street Station at around 11am on Wednesday morning (February 11), beeping horns, erecting flags and holding up traffic.
Pictures show them displaying signs including: "Stop FARMageddon" and "Our country needs EVERYONE. Let's all stand #TOGETHER". Other signs read: "DON'T LISTEN TO RACHEL THIEVES FROM ACCOUNTS! BACK BRITISH FARMING," "NO BRITISH FARMING, NO FOOD!" and "STARMER YOU PLONKER". There were reportedly around 10 tractors involved in the protest in London on Wednesday.
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Farmers across the UK are demonstrating for better support for the agricultural industry. The Government has insisted it is "backing British farmers" to ensure their future.
Farmers argue that inheritance tax changes, which will be introduced from April, are set to make farms worth over £1million liable for 20% tax. This may force some farmers to sell some of their land in order to afford their tax bills.
Meanwhile, foreign trade deals are threatening to undercut British farmers. They allow cheaper food imports with lower welfare and safety standards, meaning the prices of British food is impacted.
Farmers also face higher costs, including a £220 rise per tonne of fertiliser. This comes as they claim they are receiving low and unfair prices for their products.
Earlier this month, farmers from the east of England blocked transport hubs and transport depots. Their concerns included the impact of rising costs, foreign food and government red tape.
A Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) spokesperson said: "This government is working in partnership with farmers and retailers to ensure fairness in our supply chains, including the introduction of our Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator which delivers fair and transparent contracts.
"Through these actions and our new trade deals we're already seeing results, with the latest statistics showing farm incomes rose by half over last year."
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that no arrests were made at the protest on Wednesday.
