Tractor convoy descends on Dover to protest farm tax raid

A convoy of tractors rolled through Dover today (Wednesday 27 November) as farmers protested against the Labour government’s recent Budget, which they say delivers a crippling blow to British agriculture.

Organised jointly by Save British Farming and the Kent Fairness for Farmers group, the tractor rally highlighted growing farmer anger over policies described as “a betrayal of rural communities” and a threat to food security.

The protest, dubbed the “Axe the Tax” rally, targeted a series of measures, including the planned 20% inheritance tax (IHT) on family farms, the removal of farm subsidies, and potential trade deals allowing lower-standard imports.

See also: Farmers Weekly Podcast Ep 231: London ‘farm tax’ protest special

Farmers called on the government to reverse these policies, implement fairer supply chains, and negotiate a veterinary agreement with the EU to support agricultural exports.

© David Catt

As the tractor convoy snaked through traffic near Dover port, farmers warned of further actions, including port blockades and co-ordinated supply chain protests, if their demands are ignored.

Between 200 and 300 tractors are estimated to be taking part in the convoy, which has been kept moving and does not plan to block the port.

Matt Cullen, a beef farmer and rally organiser based near Canterbury, described the protest as a warning shot. “It’s time for farmers to stand up and fight back. Things will escalate if the government doesn’t listen,” he said.

Mr Cullen said farmers had received “massive support” from the public in Dover. “Everyone has been waving and cheering us on and beeping their horns.”

David Catt, a vegetable grower from Maidstone who joined the protest, said: “The farm inheritance tax is a tax on the heart of the countryside. It’s really important we do something about it.”

Protesters also criticised the government’s apparent focus on trade agreements that could introduce chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef, undermining the UK’s high food standards.

London protest

Liz Webster, founder of Save British Farming, told Farmers Weekly the groups were preparing to join forces again for a planned tractor demo in London on Monday 11 December.

The meeting point will be 11am at Spitalfields and from there, farmers will drive their tractors to Parliament Square to coincide with prime minister’s questions (PMQs), which begins at midday on Wednesdays.

Farmers, farm contractors and dealerships who are interested in supporting the demo are asked to email savebritishfarming@gmail.com for information.