Labour’s rural problem has resurfaced.
This time the government faces fierce opposition modification of inheritance tax. Unless a breakthrough is made, Labour’s rural problem risks becoming everyone’s problem.
The protesters showed no signs to move back on Tuesday.
Farmers from all over rural Britain got up in the middle of the night to begin their journey to London. By morning, a row of tractors a mile long had brought Westminster to a standstill.
The atmosphere was charged. “This is a war we will win and the government will turn around,” roared a protest organizer.
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There was a lot of anger, largely going in the same direction, but the protest was also a menagerie, with fireworks of rage going off in all directions.
Brexit supporters clashed with some pro-European demonstrators who stationed themselves in front of the tractors. Others expressed anger at the National Farmers Union (NFU).
Some extremist farmers have already warned they could go further, blocking ports or withholding food supplies. In Walesfarmers have already taken action.
Last month they blocked the country’s largest port town, Holyhead, on the island of Anglesey, with 40 tractors.
Preparing for climbing
Ministers admitted they were drawing up contingency plans in case farmers made the situation worse by going on strike.
Louise Haigh, the former Secretary of Transportation, told Sky News last month: “Of course the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will draw up contingency plans and ensure that food security is treated as the priority it should be. deserved. »
Although such a prospect is still far away, agricultural groups warn that it is a possibility.
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However, they fear that such a decision would drain public support.
Tom Bradshaw, president of the NFU, said he could not rule out a food shortage. Mr Bradshaw said: “I think they (the public) should be surprised, but I can’t rule it out.”
During a busy and emotional morning, during which he gave evidence to MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, Mr Bradshaw told Sky News: “If he If necessary, we will continue to protest until spring.”
“The public did nothing wrong. We absolutely need their support. I really don’t want them to be caught in the eye of this storm. Ensuring we don’t cut off their supplies and keeping the public listening is critical to ensuring the government listens,” he said.
Mr Bradshaw said: “The feeling of anger is one I have never experienced… it is now the Government’s fault. The ball is in their court. They could stop this tomorrow.