Police warn farmers ahead of largest protest in Welsh history
28th February 2024
Farmers are set to host a huge protest today, Wednesday 28th February, in Cardiff to show their dissatisfaction with the Welsh Government’s proposal for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).
The demonstration is expected to attract 10,000 to 20,000 participants, becoming the largest farming demonstration in Senedd history.
It may also involve slow-moving traffic on routes to Cardiff Bay and across the wider South Wales road network.
South Wales Police confirmed that officers will be monitoring the situation and “minimising disruption to the public”.
There are currently no planned road closures, but access to some roads around the Senedd will be controlled. Drivers have been advised to plan their journey accordingly amid expected delays.
Right to peaceful protest
Superintendent Esyr Jones said the force “respects the right to peaceful protest,” at the same time urging farmers not to bring tractors to the protest.
He added: “We are in discussions with the organisers to ensure that the protest takes place safely, lawfully with minimum disruption to the wider public.
“While there is an agreement to facilitate protest activity outside the Senedd, I would urge protesters not to bring tractors or other agricultural vehicles to the protest.
“There are concerns that they pose a risk to the safety of other road users and restrict the movement of emergency services in a busy city environment.”
Unhappy with SFS proposals
Welsh farmers have been protesting for the past few weeks to express their dissatisfaction with the new plans for SFS, which would see changes to how farms receive government funding post-Brexit.
Under the new scheme, farmers would be required to allocate 10% of their lands to planting trees and another 10% to wildlife habitat creation.
The proposal may cause 5,500 job losses for the farming community, as well as it can significantly impact farm incomes.
Read more political news.
