Farmers had travelled from around the UK and as far as Northern Ireland to take part in the rally. Among them was Chris, 54, who shouted to The Telegraph from his tractor that he was “fed up with politicians” and said: “We’re showing them that we’ve had enough.”
Another farmer said: “It was very important for me to come and show the Government the outrage they are causing farming communities.”
Those cheering on the tractors included Kate Bastable, 53, who had travelled from Tunbridge Wells, in Kent, with two of her children.
Her husband, oldest son and brother-in-law had left in their tractors earlier in the day and were part of the convoy, which Mrs Bastable said was the first time the vehicles had ever left the farm. “This is for our children and their future,” she said. “We have been farmers all our lives. We just want to be treated fairly.”
She was joined at the protest by her sister, Ruth Pierson, 46, and four of their children, Andrew, 14, Verity, 13, Anna, 11, and nine-year-old Jenny. When asked whether they wanted to be farmers, all four children shouted: “Yes!”
Some of those gathered on the pavement were holding signs protesting against Sadiq Khan’s ultra low emission zone. As specialist agricultural vehicles, tractors are exempt from the charge, but Sue, a 60-year-old protester, claimed: “It’s all linked. It’s a whole agenda.”
The protest in central London came after similar demonstrations in Kent, the latest of which saw 240 tractors rally in Canterbury earlier this month.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
