²ÝÁñÉçÇø

10,000 farmers expected to turn up for protest at Senedd

South Wales Police has asked farmers not to bring tractors to the protest to ensure the movement of the emergency services is not 'restricted' in a busy city centre

clock • 2 min read
²ÝÁñÉçÇø are expected to enter Cardiff in their droves in protest over the Sustainable Farming Scheme
Image:

²ÝÁñÉçÇø are expected to enter Cardiff in their droves in protest over the Sustainable Farming Scheme

Thousands of farmers are set to protest outside the Welsh Government amid unrest at policies including the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian has been told more than 10,000 people are expected to arrive at the Senedd on Wednesday (February 28) to protest against the SFS - which proposes to take agricultural land out of production for tree planting and wildlife habitat creation among its priorities.

Concerned farmers have said the scheme could have an impact on their livelihoods with thousands of jobs lost and the impact it could have on the Welsh economy.

The Welsh Government has said the scheme could affect 5,500 farming jobs.

South Wales Police said they have been made aware of a planned protest being held in Cardiff Bay at around 12.30pm.

²ÝÁñÉçÇø protest outside office of Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths in Wales

Officers said the protest is expected to attract a large number of people, along with some slow-moving traffic on routes to Cardiff Bay and the wider South Wales road network.

A police operation will be in effect for the duration of the protest with controlled access to some roads around the Senedd.

Police officers have asked farmers not to bring tractors to the protest to ensure the movement of the emergency services is not 'restricted' in a busy city centre.

Superintendent Esyr Jones said: "South Wales Police respects the right to peaceful protest and we are in discussions with the organisers to ensure that the protest takes place safely, lawfully with minimum disruption to the wider public.

²ÝÁñÉçÇø asked to donate old wellies for Senedd display to highlight SFS impact 

"While there is an agreement to facilitate protest activity outside the Senedd, I would urge protestors not to bring tractors or other agricultural vehicles to the protest.

"There are concerns that they pose a risk to the safety of other road users and restrict the movement of emergency services in a busy city environment.

"We will monitor the situation across the day and motorists should check for any disruption on the road network and plan their journeys accordingly.

"We will advise the public of any delays or disruption throughout the course of the day."

Welsh farmers protest in Rhyl as First Minister Mark Drakeford visits the town

More on Politics

"We are fortunate that these incidents have only been near misses" – Wales' Cabinet Secretary confirms bluetongue restrictions have been lifted from two farms

"We are fortunate that these incidents have only been near misses" – Wales' Cabinet Secretary confirms bluetongue restrictions have been lifted from two farms

It is after two instances where BTV-3 infected animals were moved into Gwynedd and Ynys Mon

clock 12 November 2024 • 3 min read
Jeremy Clarkson will attend London farmer rally

Jeremy Clarkson will attend London farmer rally

Jeremy Clarkson has called on a third generation farmer to lead protests against changes to Agricultural Property Relief and help save family farms

clock 11 November 2024 • 2 min read
Efra Committee publishes survey to find out industry concerns

Efra Committee publishes survey to find out industry concerns

The committee said it wanted to ensure it is hearing from people and organisations that are affected by Defra's responsibilities

clock 11 November 2024 • 1 min read