Farmers To Stage Tractor Convoy Protest

Harborough farmers will stage a tractor convoy protest on Sunday over the government’s changes to inheritance tax.

A 20% levy is to be imposed on farms worth over a million pounds from next year, which has led to widespread anger from farmers.

The convoy of tractors and farm vehicles will set off from West Langton at 10am and travel on the A6, driving a loop of Market Harborough via the A4304 Rockingham Road, St Mary’s Road, The Square and on to the High Street B6047.

It will then travel along to A6 through Kibworth to Leicester.

Organisers are calling for local farmers to get involved in the event, as well as encouraging people to watch the rally as it passes.

The protest is being organised by Andy Gillespie who runs a farm in Thorpe Langton and told HFM it will also raise awareness of other issues facing the farming community:

Farmers from the Harborough area before they travelled to London to join a protest over the inheritance tax change

Farmers will also use the event to collect money for Yellow Wellies, a charity that supports and raises awareness for mental health in the farming community.

The convoy of tractors will have a police escort and there will be police officers on foot and on motorbikes assisting with temporary roadblocks.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: “We are in contact with the organiser of the protest, who is engaging with the force. We are also in contact with our partner agencies.

“The tractors will have a police escort for the duration of the protest to ensure the safety of all road users while the tractors are in convoy.”

A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council said: “It’s anticipated there will be significant disruption around the town centre as the convoy makes its way round.

“Please allow extra travel time in and around Market Harborough, particularly for access to Market Harborough train station and along the A6 heading into the city.”