100 tractors join huge 'go slow' farmer protest to Welsh leader hopefuls over controversial policy

Around 100 tractors carried scores of unhappy farmers to a mass protest in front of the two men vying to be the next leader of Wales.

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By Dominic Robertson

Published Feb 19

Last updated Feb 19

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Around 100 farmers turned out for the protest - driving down Newtown's Broad Street

A huge line of tractors made their way along the Newtown Bypass before heading into the town, as part of the 'No Farmers, No Food, No Future' protest.

Farmers gathered in Newtown to make their feelings clear over the Welsh Government plans. Picture: Gill Bridgwater, from the No Farmers, No Food, No Future campaign

They were looking to voice their opinions to Vaughan Gething and Jeremy Miles, who were at the Welsh Labour leadership hustings in Newtown on Sunday.

The pair are both looking for backing to replace Wales' First Minister, Mark Drakeford.

But they were greeted with a major protest from the farmers, with many unhappy at Welsh Government plans for farmers to have to commit to planting 10 per cent of their land with trees, and earmarking another 10 per cent as wildlife habitat.

The proposals, included in the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), would replace subsidies previously provided by the European Union due to Brexit.