Farmers protesting inheritance tax reforms accused the Metropolitan Police of disproportionate and heavy-handed tactics on Wednesday after officers blocked tractors from entering Westminster and detained several participants attempting to reach the demonstration.
Widespread criticism followed after video footage appearing on social media showed officers handcuffing farmers and leading them away.
In one clip, a farmer can be heard telling police, “I was just standing here.” Protesters and supporters online argued that the police response appeared excessive for what was billed as a peaceful rural demonstration.
The protest, organised by the Berkshire Farmers Group, proceeded around Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Parliament despite a late-night police decision to bar agricultural vehicles from the area. Dozens of tractors still made it into central London, bringing rush hour traffic to a standstill.
One protester beside a mud-splattered tractor decorated with Union flags questioned the difference in policing.
“I never saw them arresting the Free Palestine lot when they were protesting here,” he said. “What is going on?”
A second farmer, dressed as Father Christmas and displaying a “naughty list” of senior Labour figures, said the late revocation of permission only strengthened the community’s determination to show up.
Organisers, ‘Nobody Was Going to Be Scared Off’
Dan Willis of the Berkshire Farmers Group condemned the Met for withdrawing approval at the last minute.
“The Met decided to pull it at the very last moment,” Willis said. “But there was no way to stop these guys, once they were told not to come, the anger was palpable.”
Willis said farmers felt unfairly targeted. “We have been told four to five hundred are coming. Nobody was going to be scared off by a last-minute ban.”
The Metropolitan Police said the tractor ban was imposed due to the risk of “serious disruption,” including to emergency services and local businesses.
Commentators Join Criticism
Conservative commentator Chris Rose criticised the police operation, saying the arrests represented a misuse of public resources.
“What a waste of time and resources,” Rose said. “Arresting farmers who we rely on for food.”
Anger Over Inheritance Tax Reforms
Farmers gathered to oppose changes announced in last October’s Budget, which reduce inheritance tax relief for agricultural property and family businesses. The Government expects the reforms to raise £1.8 billion by 2030.
Standing outside the Farmers’ Club in Whitehall, Newbury beef and arable farmer Henry Graham said the tax changes would punish families who are trying to invest in modern, sustainable farming.
“Rachel Reeves’s Budget last year was devastating,” he said. “If we invest in a new calf shed, for example, and my mother, who owns the farm, passes away, I am immediately hit with a tax bill. It stops growth dead.”
Political Reaction
Victoria Atkins, the shadow environment secretary, said farmers had been “pushed into a corner” and criticised both the Government and the police.
“Our farmers have been let down not just by this city-dwelling Labour Government, but also by the Met Police,” she said. “Farmers are not in the habit of protesting. They felt they had no choice.”
Atkins said there were “serious questions” about why permission, originally granted on November 14, was revoked on Tuesday night.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce up to £30 billion in tax rises and spending cuts in her Budget on Wednesday afternoon.
