With farmers in the United Kingdom gearing up for a massive protest in London over changes to the inheritance tax, Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday stood firm by the decisions made in the Labour government’s first Budget.
While speaking at the Welsh Labour Conference in Llandudno, Starmer defended the decisions made in finance minister Rachel Reeves’ Oct. 30 budget, emphasising the need for fiscal responsibility.
“I will defend our decisions in the budget all day long,” Starmer said, acknowledging the tough choices needed to stabilise the economy.
The protest rally, which is being organised by the Farming Forum on Nov 19, was originally planned for Trafalgar Square. However, it was later moved to Westminster due to an overwhelming response, with attendance expected to exceed 10,000.
Farmers plan to gather at the Victoria Embankment Gardens at 11 am.
Assuring that the event would remain peaceful, Clive Bailye, founder of the Farming Forum, said, “This is not about causing trouble or blockades. If the Government doesn’t listen, farmers have other options, but we don’t want to go there.”
Although a ‘tractor ban’ has been enforced to avoid disruption, farmers’ children will lead a march on toy tractors, with notable attendees including National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw and farming advocate Jeremy Clarkson.
Bradshaw has strongly criticised the Labour government’s tax hikes, warning they could force land sales, increase food prices, and jeopardise farm viability.
The inheritance tax changes have sparked widespread anger, with farmers warning that the measures threaten their livelihoods. PM Starmer, who made no direct mention of the protests in his speech, has been accused of avoiding dialogue with farmers.
(With inputs from Reuters, GB News)
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