NFU concerns and separate protest
THOUSANDS of farmers are planning a breakaway protest in London after their union declined to back a mass demo. The National Farmers’ Union wants to lobby the government over what it calls a "family farm tax" announced in the Budget. But it warned of legal issues in turning up in large numbers and feared loss of public support. It said only the 1,800 who had registered to attend its event in Westminster on November 19 should attend. In response, a separate group has applied to hold a protest.
Organizer and concerns
Organizer Clive Bailye said: "People just feel the NFU is a bit wishy-washy." Sun columnist Jeremy Clarkson, who owns Diddly Squat farm in the Coltswolds, was among those hoping to join the NFU protest but abandoned his plans. He added: "Perhaps if I had draped my tractor in a Palestinian flag, it would be different. It seems that if you are from Just Stop Oil or protesting about Gaza, you can do what you want. But farmers are treated differently by a Government that is waging an all-out war on the countryside. We wanted to protest in a dignified and sensible way – which was why I had booked the coach rather than causing disruption with tractors and farming vehicles."
Metropolitan Police statement
The Metropolitan Police said: "We are aware that there are a number of events being planned currently in relation to the recent budget announcements affecting farmers. The National Farmers Union has emphasized that their event at a conference center in Westminster on Nov 19 will not be a protest. This is not on advice from the Metropolitan Police, and at no point have we banned anyone from marching on this date. We will work with any organization or individual wishing to organize a peaceful protest or demonstration in London and continue to speak with the NFU."
