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Breaking News: Budget Day protest in doubt as police issue tractor ban

Met Police say demonstration can go ahead but measures have been put in place to prevent tractors or any agriculture vehicle entering Whitehall

Jane Thynne
Head of News and Business
clock • 2 min read
Police says tractors will be blocked from entering Whitehall on Budget day
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Police says tractors will be blocked from entering Whitehall on Budget day

Farmers planning on joining the London Budget Day Protest have been stopped from bringing tractors.

The Metropolitan Police said had conversations with organisers on how to safely manage the event.

A statement on the Met's website said: "While people will still be able to demonstrate, conditions have been put in place to prevent protesters from bringing vehicles, including tractors or other agricultural vehicles to the protest.

"This decision was taken due to the serious disruption they may cause to the local area, including businesses, emergency services and Londoners going about their day."

According to the police, any person taking part in the farmers protest must remain in Richmond Terrace, Whitehall.Organisers of the event, the Berkshire Farmers Group described the move as ‘appalling'.

Writing on social media, a group representative said: "Despite their weeks of unquestionable support and productive meetings, Dr Alison Heydari, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has decided to withdraw consent at the eleventh hour due to pressure from the so called ‘external stakeholders' regarding risk of ‘disruption to the life of the community'.

The group post continued: "Imposing these conditions on a protest with this short of a notice is in our opinions a malicious approach to preventing our right to protest, leaving little time for appeal or for facilitating their requests.

"Therefore, we, Berkshire Farmers Group and all associated organisers including but not limited to George Brown, Dan Willis and Caroline Graham, wish to inform all attendees that this protest has been cancelled by Dr Alison Heydari of the Metropolitan Police, and we absolve ourselves of all responsibilities for any attendance to this event."

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