A tractor convoy carrying British farmers stormed London on Monday (Mar. 25) to protest against trading agreements they claim would "decimate" British farming and jeopardize the UK's food security.
Local media reported that the campaign groups Save British Farming and Fairness for Farmers of Kent assembled a "go-slow" convoy around the British parliament building in Westminster, with organizers expecting 50 to 100 tractors and other farm vehicles participating in the motorcade.
Some of the tractors could be seen flying British flags, while one of them was parked in front of Big Ben with a banner reading "Save UK food security" while farmers were holding placards. According to The Independent, other banners and signs the protesters flashed read: "Stop substandard imports," "No farmers , no food, no future," and "Beep for freedom."
"Time and time again they have let us down," Save British Farming founder Liz Webster told the BBC. "They promised to uphold our high standards and promised not to allow Britain to be a dumping ground ... what they are doing is making us a dumping ground."
The British public broadcaster also reported that younger farmers participated in the convoy.
"I'm a third generation farmer. I'm here for my future," 21-year-old Ben Stickland from West Sussex said. "There are multiple nails being put into this coffin built around us."
The rally in London followed protests by farmers and their supporters across Europe who were angered by competition from cheaper imports and wanted stricter environmental regulations, among other related matters, Reuters reported.
Separately, there was also a recent farmers' protest in India that attempted to roll over to New Delhi to call on the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend to their demands.
Thousands of farmers also joined forces in Wales to fight new farm subsidy plans launched by its government.
Last month, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told the NFU conference that he supported the farmers as he outlined government plans to boost the UK's food security.
Farming minister Mark Spencer echoed the promise on Monday.
"We firmly back our farmers," he said in a statement. "British farming is at the heart of British trade, and we put agriculture at the forefront of any deals we negotiate, prioritizing new export opportunities, protecting UK food standards and removing market access barriers."
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