Roadside protest met with honks
Britain First took their message to a bridge over the North Devon Link Road
Britain First activists staged a small protest on Saturday, June 21, standing on a bridge above the A361 North Devon Link Road with banners, Union Flags and the St George’s Cross.
The group, described as “extremists” by a local farmer, drew honks of support from passing vehicles — despite numbering just three people.
The roadside demonstration carried the slogan “no farmers, no food, pensioners before migrants”, blending opposition to immigration with anger over changes to inheritance tax rules affecting the farming community.
Among those taking part was Marie Townsend, a 74-year-old grandmother from North Devon, who said she had been involved with Britain First for over five years and an activist for the past two. “I’m very concerned about my children, my grandchildren’s future — that’s why I do it,” she said.
Marie insisted public support for such stunts had been strong in the region. “We’ve done these bridge demos before in Devon and they’ve been very successful. You can see the level of support. Obviously this is a busier road so people have got to be very careful how they’re positioning themselves, but it’s very, very supportive.”
The protest came amid mounting concern among farmers over government proposals to apply a 20% tax rate to inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1m. The policy, announced in the Autumn Budget, has been criticised by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee for lacking proper consultation or affordability assessment.
But not all in the farming community welcomed Britain First’s presence. James Wright, a farmer and Conservative campaigner, said: “Farmers are proud, hardworking people who don’t want their cause hijacked by extremists.”
“Britain First turning up doesn’t help anyone – it cheapens the real issues we’re facing,” he added, citing Labour’s proposed tax increases as a genuine concern. “You can back farmers by buying British food in the supermarket. There is no place for these people in Tiverton.”
The government has defended the reforms, saying they are “vital” and that its commitment to supporting farmers remains “steadfast”.