The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, was visiting a housing project in Milton Keynes to promote his party’s housing policies when the noisy farmers’ demonstration took place
Sir Keir Starmer had his housing policy visit abruptly disrupted by noisy farmers in a tractor-led protest, forcing the Labour leader to hurriedly leave the scene.
A group of around 12 tractors barricaded the route close to a Milton Keynes housing development as the Prime Minister was mingling with onsite workers. The tractors’ musical horns could be heard blaring across the construction area soon after Sir Keir arrived. These demonstrations have become increasingly common, as farmers show their discontent with the recent budget alterations to inheritance tax.
The situation led to the Prime Minister postponing media interviews after he had to prematurely end his visit due to concerns about the protest.
Farmer Richard Miles, who travelled from Welford, Northamptonshire, told the PA news agency: “We are not being listened to at all, that’s why we feel we have to come and see him in person.” As the car carrying the Prime Minister left the site, farmers could be heard shouting “just talk to us”.
The farmers actions were shared by a number of accounts on X, formerly Twitter, where they received a mixed response from users.
One supporter wrote: “Keep up the great work!”
Another one said: “What a coward he is – certainly not got the courage of his convictions.”
A third suggested: “Get the muck spreaders out especially in the warm weather.”
While a fourth gushed: “Well played indeed, hope to see more of this. Keep the pressure up.”
However, not everyone is behind the protestors, or the methods they employed to get their point of view across.
One wrote: “Boo hoo, cry me a river. Pay your taxes like everyone else.”
Another said: “Inconsiderate selfish vandals appear to be blocking roads again. They should be locked up like the climate protesters were. These people are far worse they’re protesting against paying their taxes. At least the climate protesters are trying to help the planet, these are just greedy.”
A third queried: “How come you lot are never at work? Pay your taxes.”
And a fourth suggested: “Pay your taxes. And if you aren’t financially viable, restructure. Every other industry has had to do so. For too long you’ve been protected by huge public subsidies and tax benefits. And this protest is only happening because this tax change robs billionaires of a tax loophole.”