A farmer at London protest was told to clean his tractor’s plate. Police cited visibility rules. It was part of a wider tax demonstration.
Video on social media showed the interaction. The officer politely requested the cleanup, knowing it seemed trivial, but requested the mud removal anyway.
The farmer leaned out and scraped mud off the plate. Two officers watched as one said it must be “completely clear.” The policewoman apologized for the request.
The Metropolitan Police cited RAC guidance, stating it’s illegal to drive with a dirty plate. Plates must be readable to help police and cameras and mud obscures plates.
The tractor joined many others in Whitehall as farmers protested inheritance tax (IHT) changes, which Rachel Reeves announced in the Budget.
Whitehall was closed, and police diverted traffic, warning of delays. Officers tried to limit disruptions nearby.
Labour plans to introduce a 20% IHT rate affecting farms over £1 million. Changes begin in April 2026, ending an exemption for family farms.
Save British Farming organized the tractor rally and MPs debated a petition with 148,000 signatures, urging keeping IHT exemptions for farms.
Alan Hughes, who farms near Hereford and diversified his farm, struggled to stay afloat. He fears being the last to farm his land.
Hughes said Labour doesn’t want farmers and thinks they prefer large corporations. He added, those who control food control the nation.
Hughes urged abolishing IHT for all and wants an end to high taxes. He wants focus on infrastructure and food security.
The National Farmers’ Union supports members protesting and Tom Bradshaw, the NFU president, said feelings are intense about the farm tax. He supports lawful demonstrations.