Police are blocking the massive farmers’ protest planned for 19 November in London

By Rhoda Wilson on November 9, 2024 •

A planned mass demonstration by farmers against the UK government’s inheritance tax changes has been significantly scaled back by the National Farmers Union (NFU) as it has been blocked by police restrictions

Initially, thousands of farmers were expected to converge on London on 19 November to protest the new tax regime, which will impose a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural assets worth over £1 million.

However, the NFU announced that the event would be limited to 1,800 attendees, citing “legal issues” and “logistical constraints.” This move has been criticised by some farmers, including Jeremy Clarkson, who accused the NFU of being complicit in the government’s efforts to suppress the protest.

Clarkson, a prominent farmer and TV personality, had initially planned to ferry a group of farmers from the Cotswolds to London for the protest. However, he was forced to abandon his plans due to the restrictions imposed by the NFU and the Metropolitan Police. 

The police have maintained that they have not banned the protest outright, but rather are working with organisers to ensure a peaceful and safe event. The police statement emphasised that they apply the same legislative framework to all protest notifications, without favour or prejudice.

Source & read more