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A large number of tractors have blocked the roads near a significant port in the UK to demonstrate against inexpensive imports that farmers argue will force them to shut down their operations.
Farmers gathered in small groups around the port of Dover on Friday evening to participate in a “go-slow” demonstration using vehicles.
Following similar protests in France, where French farmers used tractors to block roads in Paris, the government was urged to take action and protect the agricultural industry from foreign competition, increasing expenses, and low wages.
A tractor and trailer were marked with the words “no more cheap imports” on the side, while other vehicles were observed obstructing roads leading to Folkstone, Kent.
A farmer stated that it was necessary to “make a stand” and accused the UK government of devaluing British goods by importing low-cost foreign food.
A trailer attached to a tractor displayed the phrase “no more cheap imports” in spray paint.
Farmer Jeffrey Gibson, from Wingham, Kent, said: “Time has come enough is enough why are we as British farmers producing food to the highest standards in the world, only for the government to do trade deals with countries producing far cheaper food with little or no standards.
Shame on supermarkets that sell British produce below the cost of production.
It is necessary to make a decision now. If farming continues in our country under the new SFI scheme, which encourages us to not produce food and instead rely on inexpensive imports, we will not survive when the government changes its approach. We will be unprepared to grow any crops.
He stated that demonstrators will remain outside on Friday evening for as much time as they can in order to bring attention to their purpose.
A representative from Kent Police stated that they received a call on Friday, February 9 at approximately 5pm regarding reports of vehicles moving slowly on Jubilee Way in Dover.
“Authorities are present and collaborating with the Port of Dover law enforcement regarding this issue.”
Source: independent.co.uk
