Scottish farmers are set to march in London in a show of force against ‘reckless’ Budget decisions that threaten the future of family farms.

The industry is pushing back against major tax changes that will have a wide impact on food production and costs as well as rural communities in general. This second protest is being organised by a coalition of farming leaders and thousands of working farmers who plan to march through Westminster to express their anger.

The splinter rally follows the initial NFU-led formal gathering of farmers on November 19. Following the backlash towards the Budget, the NFU organised the mass-lobbying event to give 600 members the chance to confront MPs and voice their concerns.

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Given the popularity of the event, it was then widened to encompass 1800 registered farmers, in three different time slots. This rally will give those who will be affected by taxation changes the opportunity to look into MPs’ eyes and be heard.

The NFU initially urged its members to avoid public protests over fears of public safety and disorder, and to avoid coming to London if unregistered for the rally at Church House, Westminster. But the union reversed course after widespread dissent from farmers, who insisted they would travel to London regardless of the NFU’s stance.

Following concerns about the legality of a possible march on November 19, the Metropolitan Police stated there was no ban in place and that they would work with any potential march organisers to ensure things were done correctly.

Clive Bailye, founder of The Farming Forum, stated that he was in full support of the NFU’s actions. However, he questioned the impact that such a limited event could have.

He told the PA news agency: “They weren’t organising a rally. They weren’t organising a march-type event.

“It was becoming very obvious that farmers were desperate for somebody to take the lead and organise something else.”

This led the arable farmer from Staffordshire to organise a separate rally, on the same day, in a similar location to help promote the issues on a grander scale – stating he received 2000 registrations within two hours of its launch. Predicting that the event could boast 10,000 on the day.

Mr Bailye continued: “We’re not wanting to take that European, French farmer route of burning tyres in the street and inconveniencing everybody.

“So, we’re positively saying ‘don’t bring tractors, don’t cause problems, this is peaceful’.

“We want to keep the public on side. We don’t want to bring the capital city to a stop or disrupt roads.”

Aberdeenshire farmer Mike Davis, said: “I am travelling to London on November 19 to join the ‘alternative’ protest rally in an attempt to get the Government to comprehend the magnitude of the crisis it has unleashed on farming, rural businesses and communities.

“Our farming business comprises approximately 220 acres of cropping land and 300 plus acres of commercial forestry, in addition we have diversified into renewables on the farm.

We started out 35 years ago with virtually nothing and made great sacrifices, myself working 2 jobs and my wife bringing up 3 children, while still managing to power wash broiler sheds, help out with tractor driving and still keep the farm accounts on track: does this qualify us as ‘working people’?

“As it stands our business will attract in excess of £500,000 of IHT, a figure our children will not be able to find unless they sell land or other assets, the result being reduced farm viability and the potential start of a downward spiral of debt.

“I am despairing and cannot let this happen without trying to influence the decision makers.”

NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy sharply criticised the UK Government for what he described as a budget that ‘threatens food production, family farm businesses, and the environment’.

He pointed out that the UK Government had previously promised not to jeopardise these vital sectors, only to break that pledge with policies that impose ‘impossible tax burdens’ on farmers.

Kennedy also condemned the government’s decision to shift long-standing safety-net funding for agriculture into a lump sum handed to the Scottish Government, describing it as a move that ‘effectively washes their hands’ of a system that has supported farmers for over half a century.

Mr Kennedy said: “There is a complete lack of understanding about how food is produced and by whom,” adding that both farmers and the wider public feel betrayed by the budget’s consequences.

Rumours of European style protests have been floated on social media platforms since the events were organised, blocking roads with tractors or spraying slurry on roads the main tactic suggestions. However, industry leaders have continued to urge cation, maintaining the need to keep the public onside and instead showcase the best of British farming.

Kennedy also confirmed plans for a larger rally in Scotland on November 28, calling for the Scottish Government to commit to ‘multi-annual, ring-fenced funding’ for the agricultural sector.

The rally, which will bring together farmers, crofters, and supporters, aims to highlight the essential role of farming in delivering high-quality food, contributing to climate and nature restoration, and sustaining rural communities.

“This is a pivotal moment for Scottish agriculture,” Kennedy added.

“We must come together and send a clear message that we will not accept these reckless decisions. If we fail to act now, the future of our farms, our food, and our rural communities is at risk.”

With tensions running high and the pressure mounting on MPs, the November 19 protests are shaping up to be a significant moment in the ongoing struggle between the UK Government and the agricultural sector.

Farmers pray that their voices will be heard loud and clear as they demand immediate changes to policy and funding to safeguard the sectors future.