Farmers’ anger at Labour mayor as Tube chiefs ban anti-inheritance tax adverts for having ‘politically controversial’ anti-Government message
London transport bosses have been accused of ‘trying to silence’ farmers after they banned their anti-inheritance tax adverts from the Tube over their ‘politically controversial’ anti-Government message.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) planned to spend £40,000 on posters around Westminster station with its ‘Stop The Family Farm Tax’ campaign slogan to attract MPs’ attention to the row when they return to Parliament on January 6.
But top brass at Transport for London (TfL), which reports to the capital’s Labour mayor Sadiq Khan, say the adverts do not comply with their rules and need to be watered down to remove any attacks on the Government.
Victoria Atkins, Tory rural affairs spokesman, said: ‘Labour know they’re in the wrong.’
She added it appeared the party were ‘trying to silence those who are pointing this out to their MPs’.
She said: ‘It may be news to the Labour mayor but Londoners and commuters eat food. They will be hit by higher food prices and weakened food security once Labour’s Family Farm Tax and National Insurance hikes take their toll on British farms.’
TfL has been accused of hypocrisy – given it has approved a host of overtly political adverts, including posters promoting the legalisation of assisted dying just a month ago.
A spokesman for the NFU said: ‘We were surprised and disappointed that TfL refused to allow us to advertise this campaign on behalf of Britain’s farmers, especially given all the campaigns from other groups they have allowed. It makes no sense, even within their own rules.’
Transport for London (TfL), which reports to the capital’s Labour mayor Sadiq Khan (pictured), say the adverts do not comply with their rules
Tractors pass through Parliament Square as farmers stage a protest against inheritance tax
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) planned to spend £40,000 on posters around Westminster station with its ‘Stop The Family Farm Tax’ campaign slogan
Farmers have carried out protests since the Budget, when the plans to make families of farmers pay tax on their land when they die were announced.
Hundreds drove tractors to Parliament earlier this month, while former Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson, who owns a farm in the Cotswolds, called for the Government to ‘back down’.
The NFU’s advert had been intended to remind MPs that rural families face ruin if the policy comes into force.
TfL has not allowed the advert because it ‘contains imagery and illustrations which are politically controversial’ and ‘promotes a party political cause or electioneering’.
It is understood TfL would allow it if it had a positive message about UK farming and any political message was removed.
Two years ago, TfL also allowed an advert from the Compassion in World Farming animal welfare group calling for the Government to ban the live export of animals from Britain.
TfL also approved an advert for fintech start-up Wahed, showing an Islamic preacher holding a briefcase full of burning US dollars.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: ‘TfL has become totally politicised under mayor Khan. Our rural communities are being treated as second-class citizens by the London elites.’
TfL said: ‘This advertising campaign was reviewed against TfL’s advertising policy and was found not to be compliant.’
Mr Khan’s spokesman said: ‘The mayor has no involvement in approving or deciding which ads run on the TfL network, and TfL’s policy reflects legal requirements.’
