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

Nature Friendly Farming Network unveils its key asks ahead of Welsh and Scottish elections

Nature Friendly Farming Network unveils its key asks ahead of Welsh and Scottish elections

Farmer-led body says greater consideration for sustainble farming is the only way to safeguard the future of the industry and its members

clock 20 February 2026 • 2 min read
Restore Britain announces 16-point plan to get British farmers 'farming again'

Restore Britain announces 16-point plan to get British farmers 'farming again'

Can the political party, founded by Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe, rival not only Nigel Farage's Reform UK, but Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats at the next General Election?

Chris Brayford
clock 19 February 2026 • 4 min read
EXCLUSIVE - Lynette Steel: "Farming in the UK is under real pressure"

EXCLUSIVE - Lynette Steel: "Farming in the UK is under real pressure"

TFA policy adviser Lynette Steel writes on what farmers want from the Farming Roadmap, and how the Government can help to deliver postive change for the sector

Lynette Steel
clock 16 February 2026 • 3 min read