51AVÊÓÆµ

Met Police impose restrictions to limit tractors at farming Pancake Day protest

Officers said anyone who breaches the conditions could face arrest

Chris Brayford
clock • 2 min read
Ben Russell, Met Police deputy assistant commissioner, said: "Whitehall was blocked for much of the day and there were lengthy significant delays on surrounding roads. It is our responsibility to ensure that protests do not cause serious disruption to the life of the community and we have used our powers under the Public Order Act to ensure that does not happen on Tuesday (March 4)."
Image:

Ben Russell, Met Police deputy assistant commissioner, said: "Whitehall was blocked for much of the day and there were lengthy significant delays on surrounding roads. It is our responsibility to ensure that protests do not cause serious disruption to the life of the community and we have used our powers under the Public Order Act to ensure that does not happen on Tuesday (March 4)."

Farmers could be breaking the law if they take tractors to the Pancake Day rally this week.

Officers from the Met Police issued a statement on Saturday (March 1) urging farmers not to bring tractors to the Shrove Tuesday protest (March 4) in London.

Police have issued restrictions under the Public Order Act which will prevent farmers from bringing tractors to the rally due to 'significant delays' caused by previous demonstrations held in the capital over recent months.

READ NOW:ÌýThird Labour MP takes a stand against 'embarrassing' family farm tax changes

Olly Harrison, Andrew Ward, Martin Williams and Clive Bailye have organised the rally in the hope of persuading Chancellor Rachel Reeves to consider granting a reprieve for the ‘oldest farmers' who could face a 'devastating' Inheritance Tax bill.

Those attending the event will form up in Whitehall from 11am, with a procession taking place from around midday heading towards Trafalgar Square.

The protest will then head to Northumberland AvenueÌýalong the Embankment and back into Whitehall via Westminster Bridge Road and Parliament Street.

Officers said it is a criminal offence to breach the conditions or to incite others to do so.

Those in breach could face arrest.

PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT: Join Farmers Guardian's Save Britain's Family Farms campaign

However, only a 'limited number' of tractors have been granted prior permission to take their tractors to London.

Ben Russell, Met Police deputy assistant commissioner, said: "Two previous protests have taken place in the same area, with the same organisers, in recent months.

"The second protest saw a significant number of people attend with tractors and other large farming vehicles.

LISTEN NOW:

"Whitehall was blocked for much of the day and there were lengthy significant delays on surrounding roads.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that protests do not cause serious disruption to the life of the community and we have used our powers under the Public Order Act to ensure that does not happen on Tuesday.

"We have been in regular contact with the organisers to explain our decision making and I am grateful for the positive and collaborative approach they have taken."

More on Politics

Scottish Government to press ahead with food price caps

Scottish Government to press ahead with food price caps

QMS, NFUS and GB Potatoes were amongst businesses urging First Minister against plans to ‘establish legal price ceilings on some essential food items’

Alex Black
clock 05 September 2026 • 2 min read
NFU president sets out union's asks at Reform UK conference, saying it will take more than scrapping family farm tax to restore farmer confidence

NFU president sets out union's asks at Reform UK conference, saying it will take more than scrapping family farm tax to restore farmer confidence

Reform MP Danny Kruger promises to transform Defra with the department run by farmers and those who care for the countryside

Jane Thynne
clock 05 September 2026 • 3 min read
Reform deputy Richard Tice says ditching 'duff' regulations is key to boosting self-sufficiency

Reform deputy Richard Tice says ditching 'duff' regulations is key to boosting self-sufficiency

Speaking to FG, Mr Tice said Reform would back 'farmers to the hilt' in order to build on their ambition

Jane Thynne
clock 05 September 2026 • 2 min read