‘Just talk to us’ – PM Starmer avoids farmers by cutting short his visit to Milton Keynes
13th February 2025
PM Keir Starmer cut short his visit to a housing development in Buckinghamshire after a dozen tractors appeared at the site.
Earlier today, PM Starmer visited Milton Keynes to announce the government’s plan to build 100 new towns that are set to provide thousands of homes for residents across the country.
Unexpectedly, about a dozen tractors appeared at the site, as farmers came to show their dissatisfaction with Labour’s recent policies, including changes to inheritance tax reliefs.
The Prime Minister has decided to postpone planned speeches and media interviews, bringing his visit to the end. However, the farmers blocked the road to prevent MP Starmer from leaving.
A farmer told MK Citizen: “Bascially, we’ve blocked him in, and he can’t get out. We’re expecting a helicopter to come and rescue him pretty soon as that’s the only way he’ll be able to leave.”
It has been confirmed that PM’s security removed Sir Starmer from the site. As his car was driving off, farmers were shouting “just talk to us”.
The Labour Party has denied a helicopter was involved but refused, for security reasons, to specify how Sir Starmer was extracted, the local media outlet said.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that the force “facilitated a peaceful protest off the A509 and liaised with the protesters at the scene”.
They added: “No arrests were made or necessary. The protest has reached its conclusion, and the group are now dispersing from the area.”
VIDEO: Chaotic scenes as Starmer forced to abandon visit to private housing project in Milton Keynes. pic.twitter.com/zVX2sQiWoN #FarmersProtest #Starmer #Starmergeddon @BerkeleyGroupUK
— Manchester Chronicle 🐝 (@WithyGrove) February 13, 2025
‘Next generation of new towns’
During today’s visit, PM Starmer was set to unveil the government’s plans for the next generation of new towns.
The government describes them as “well-designed, beautiful communities with affordable housing, GP surgeries, schools and public transport where people will want to live”.
A spokesperson for the government added: “Hundreds of thousands of working people and families will reap the rewards new towns across Britain, as the Prime Minister paves the way for the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era.”
New towns are about building communities, not just houses.
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) February 13, 2025
That’s why we’ll build the next generation of new towns with affordable housing, GP surgeries, schools and public transport. pic.twitter.com/ATazkAcUGl
Best interests of the industry
Save British Farming said that the campaigning group had no involvement in the protest.
Their spokesperson said: “While we strongly advocate for British farmers and rural communities and understand why farmers are feeling desperate at this difficult time, we reject disruptive tactics that do not represent the best interests of our industry.
“Our focus remains on amplifying farmers’ voices, organising legitimate protests and engaging in constructive dialogue with policymakers to rethink inheritance tax charges, secure fair trade policies, protect British food standards, and support sustainable farming.
“Save British Farming continues to call for meaningful engagement with the government to address the real challenges faced by farmers, without resorting to actions that undermine our credibility and shared goals.”
READ MORE: PM Starmer claims that farming is ‘top of the agenda’
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