Farmers ride tractors into central London to protest against trade deal

Tractor-riding farmers have gathered in Westminster to protest against trade arrangements they claim will “destroy” British farming and endanger British food security.

Save British Farming and the Kent Farmers Fair campaign have organized a “slow drive” convoy around the parliament, with organizers expecting between 50 and 100 tractors and other farm vehicles.

Hundreds of people and six tractors honked their horns independent Held at College Green on Monday around 6.30pm.

A tractor was parked in front of Big Ben with a banner reading “Save Britain’s food security” hanging in front, and farmers were standing by holding placards.

Another banner read: “Stop substandard imports,” while protesters held placards that read “Shout for freedom.”

Liz Webster, a Wiltshire beef and arable farmer, said: “In 2019 this government was elected with a mandate to uphold our standards and secure a ready-made deal with the EU that will enable British agriculture to Boom. It is now clear that they have completely betrayed us all.

“Polls show the public supports British farming and food and wants to maintain our high food standards and support local producers.

“We need a radical change of policy and an urgent exit from these appalling trade deals which will destroy Britain’s food supply.”

Organizers have also criticized allowing products to be labeled with the Union Jack flag when grown or raised outside the UK.

Ms Webster claimed the current situation was “like going to the World Cup with the English football team and being told ‘come on, you have chains on your legs and hands'”. We are completely at a disadvantage”.

She added that trade agreements with New Zealand, Australia and the CPTPP agreement with 11 countries including Canada, Japan and Mexico, coupled with a lack of import inspections, allow lower standards of food to enter the country.

Jeff Gibson, founder of Kent Farmers for Fairness, said: “It’s vital our messages about substandard imports, dishonest labeling and concerns about food safety are heard.

“With the election approaching, we want to make sure the next government supports our cause.”

East Kent cauliflower grower Geoffrey Philpott, who brought three tractors to the rally, said: “I hope to continue farming for many years to come but if things don’t change I will No, and neither would I.” The 14 people who work for me will not be hired.

“Then we would be reliant on foreign products that do not have the high standards of British production. Once that happens we could be held to a ransom over supply and pricing.”

It follows similar demonstrations in Kent in February, when dozens of tractors blocked roads around the port of Dover in protest against cheap imports.

French farmers also used tractors to block roads in Paris earlier this year, urging the government to do more to protect the country’s agricultural sector from foreign competition, rising costs and low wages.

We contacted the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs for comment.