Time and place confirmed for independent farmers’ rally in London
13th November 2024
Time and place for the independent farmers’ rally that is going to take place in London on 19th November have been confirmed.
The participants will meet at Richmond Terrace on Whitehall, London (What3Words fresh.butter.grapes), opposite Downing Street, at 11am.
Organisers said that with numbers of attendees swelling beyond capacity of Trafalgar Square, they decided to relocate the event to ensure all participants have the opportunity to hear from speakers, while remaining safe.
Speakers from across agriculture, TV and politics are due to show their support for family farms and wider businesses.
Following several speeches, a procession will take place to Parliament Square. The procession will be spearheaded by a number of children on toy tractors, signifying the impact of the devastating budget on the future of farming and the countryside.
The procession will then return to Richmond Terrace for the final address by NFU president, Tom Bradshaw.
READ MORE: What does the Budget really mean for farming?
READ MORE: Inheritance tax bills could wipe out farmers’ profits, expert warns
Trouble will not be tolerated
The organisers have also reminded all attendees of their responsibilities to, not only themselves, but also, the reputation of the farming industry.
“We therefore ask that all attendees ensure that Richmond Terrace and the surrounding areas are left as they are found, including removing all litter and campaign materials.
“Organisers remind attendees that they should not bring machinery. Trouble will not be tolerated, and organisers continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to ensure the safety of all involved, given the family nature of the event.”
For attendees making their way to London by train, the nearest tube station is Westminster.
For attendees making their way by coach, Westminster Council has asked that all drop offs are done within the bounds of normal traffic laws and that coaches park in the designated bays across the Westminster Borough.
READ MORE: “We don’t need small farmers”, says former Labour adviser
NFU’s plea to farmers
Last week, NFU has issued a letter to its members asking farmers who did not register to take part in the mass lobby on 19th November at Church House conference centre at Westminster to stay home.
Farmers are set to meet with MPs to talk about the changes announced in the Budget, including to agricultural property relief on inheritance tax.
NFU said that the demand for the event has been “amazing”, with 1,800 NFU members registering their intention to come.
The organiser tripled capacity for the mass lobby from the original 600 – the venue’s capacity – to 1,800. There will be three rotations of 600 on the day.
Clarkson in attendance
According to The Telegraph, the star of Clarkson’s Farm, Jeremy Clarkson will attend the independent rally next week.
When asked on X by his followers why Mr Clarkson would not want to lead the independent rally, he said: ‘I wish it were that simple. The problem is that I’m not a family farmer and those who support Starmer will point this out. Which means that any points scored will be lost in a blizzard of class war shoutiness. Much better to find a third generation farmer to be the front man. Volunteers?’
Read more political news.
READ MORE: ‘Please don’t despair’ – Jeremy Clarkson issues message to farmers on Ag Budget
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson confirms that Clarkson’s Farm season 5 is in making
