More than 100 tractors have descended on Dover today as farmers stage a go-slow protest against proposed inheritance tax changes that would affect agricultural properties worth over £1 million.
The demonstration, organised by Save British Farming and Fairness for Farmers campaign groups, saw farmers from across Kent and Sussex join forces to voice their opposition to what they describe as a "hammer blow" to the industry.
Protesters are demanding the Government axe inheritance tax, stop substandard imports and scrap carbon tax on fertiliser.
Tractors adorned with British flags made their way through the port town, displaying prominent placards with messages including "Stop Substandard Imports" and "No Farmers No Food No Future."
A protest was held in Dover
PA
The vehicles were spotted taking up two lanes of a main road during the go-slow demonstration, with farmers driving alongside lorries through Dover's streets.
"Back British Farming" signs were also visible among the convoy, as protesters voiced their concerns about the Government's approach to agricultural policy.
The tractors had travelled across farmland and along the A2 before reaching the coastal town.
Matt Cullen, a beef farmer based near Canterbury who helped organise the protest, said: "It's time for farmers to stand up and fight back, and it's time to show the government that things will escalate more if they don't sit down and talk to us."
Farmers take part in a go-slow protest in Dover, Kent
PA
The protest took place in Dover
PA
The demonstration is part of growing tensions between farmers and the government over proposed policy changes. David Catt, who farms a market garden south of Maidstone, criticised the Labour Party, telling Farmers Weekly they were supposed to be "looking after hardworking British people, not crucifying them."
Save British Farming founder Liz Webster condemned the government's approach, stating: "This Government has unleashed a really nasty culture war with their Budget."
She questioned whether ministers were "hoping to motivate envy to back destruction of our farms which produce healthy and sustainable food and care for our countryside to sign a deal with Trump which delivers chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef?"
David Catt, a vegetable grower and wholesaler from Maidstone, described the tax measures announced in the Budget as the "final death knell" that will particularly impact family farms that can least afford it.
Farmers take part in a go-slow protest in Dover, Kent, to show their unhappiness at the Labour government
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The protest follows a major farmers' demonstration in Whitehall last week, where crowds gathered to demand Labour "backs down" over its inheritance tax proposals.
Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson joined that protest alongside his Clarkson's Farm co-stars, despite doctor's advice to avoid stress following a heart operation.
National Farmers' Union president Tom Bradshaw said the NFU isn't involved in today's protest but understands why farmers feel the need to make their voices heard, adding that it shows "how angry and frustrated British farmers and growers are."
Labour has maintained that the majority of farms would be unaffected by the proposed changes.
