Rutland MP responds as police restrict farmers protest in Westminster

Rutland, Stamford, and South Kesteven MP Alicia Kearns has shared her concerns after the Metropolitan Police announced restrictions for the farmers protest planned in Westminster today.

The MP criticised the late withdrawal of permission for the use of vehicles in the protest, expressing frustration on behalf of farmers who had travelled to London.

The protest is taking place this morning, with farmers demonstrating against what they see as a threat to the future of family farms under the proposed tax.

In a statement last night, the Met Police announced a ban on bringing tractors or agricultural vehicles, to avoid disruption in the local area. Protesters must also stay within a designated area in Richmond Terrace, Whitehall.

Despite this, a number of tractors were seen driving through Westminster early on Wednesday, with police stopping around 20 of them in the vicinity.

This included a farmer dressed as Father Christmas, his tractor carrying a large spruce tree and bearing a sign that read "Farmer Christmas - the naughty list: Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, Diane Abbott, Angela Rayner & the BBC".

The tractor was parked in Whitehall before Metropolitan Police officers intervened.

Another tractor remains parked outside Parliament in Abingdon Street bearing the slogan "Fools vote Labour".

Speaking on social media Kearns said: “Our farmers feed us, tend our green and pleasant lands, cut hedges, clear snow and trees and help our communities in times of trouble – they are the custodians of our environment."

"An explanation is needed as to these ongoing targeting approaches. Our farmers have organised safely and appropriately – it’s vital policing does not feel political, lacking transparency or fairness."

She added that farmers have never caused trouble during past protests and emphasised the importance of clarifying any concerns relating to the conditions imposed.

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