NFU confirmed its event was full with 1,800 members registered to attend on November 19, and warned this was ‘just the start of the fight'.
Agricultural Property Relief
Farmer and grower members in attendance were being asked by the NFU to get in front of their MP, to 'look them in the eyes and tell them from the heart how the changes to the APR will affect farming and growing businesses'.
The NFU stressed it was important Ministers understood the industry would 'not get tired' and farmers would 'not go away' until the message had landed and changes were ‘overturned'.
Another ‘complimentary' event has been organised by a group of farmers to be hosted on the same day, and while the NFU stressed it was not responsible for organising it, president Tom Bradshaw said members could attend both events.
Farmer organised rally
With number of attendees swelling beyond capacity of Trafalgar Square, the organisers – farmers Clive Bailye, Olly Harrison, Martin Williams, Andrew Ward and James Mils – have relocated the event to Richmond Terrace on Whitehall, London, opposite Downing Street (What3Words: fresh.butter.grapes).
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Attendees have been asked to gather from 11am on November 19 with speakers from across agriculture, TV and politics. Following the speeches, a procession will take place to Parliament Square, all spearheaded by a number of children on toy tractors, in the hope it will highlight the impact of the Budget on the future of farming and the countryside. The procession will return to Richmond Terrace for the final speech by NFU President Tom Bradshaw.
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Further details on speakers and their timings will be released in the coming days.
Food bank
All attendees have been asked to bring British produce with them to make a mass food bank donation.
To avoid unnecessary congestion at Richmond Terrace, four drop off locations will be arranged at key transport hubs across London and all food will be distributed to those in need by City Harvest.
The organisers have said they wish to remind all attendees of their responsibilities to themselves and to the reputation of the farming industry, and ensure that Richmond Terrace and the surrounding areas are left as they are found, including removing all litter and campaign materials.
Machinery is also not permitted and 'trouble will not be tolerated', and given the family nature of the event organisers continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to ensure the safety of all involved.
Going by train?
The nearest tube station is Westminster. For attendees making their way by coach, Westminster Council has asked that all drop offs are done within the bounds of normal traffic laws and that coaches park in the designated bays across the Westminster Borough. A list of bays is provided below:
Bishop's Bridge Road W2 (two bays)
Eastbourne Terrace W2 (four bays)
Kingsway WC2 (16 bays)
Millbank SW1 (five bays)
Park Lane SW1 (17 bays)
Temple Place WC2 (two bays)
Tothill Street SW1 (six bays)
Victoria Embankment SW1 (12 bays)
