Rachel Reeves handed stark warning as agricultural campaigners prepare for UK fuel protests: 'Asleep at the wheel!'

Georgia Pearce
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:33:20 +0000

Farmers for Action has issued a stark warning to the Government that demonstrations against fuel duty could extend into England.

William Taylor, representing the agricultural campaign group, appeared on GB News where he announced the organisation is now weighing up nationwide protests targeting both taxation and fuel costs.

"We have taken the decision that Farmers for Action will consider UK-wide tax and fuel protests," Mr Taylor stated.

The group has formally contacted ministers seeking urgent discussions, with Mr Taylor expressing hope for a meeting "in the next couple of weeks" to address their concerns and find a resolution to the mounting tensions.

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The campaign group traces its roots back to the fuel strike of 2000, with Mr Taylor noting that Farmers for Action emerged directly from that industrial action.

"Farmers for Action connects back all the way to the fuel strike of 2000 which some people may remember, and Farmers for Action was born out of that," he explained.

Mr Taylor acknowledged the organisation had drawn valuable insights from recent demonstrations in the Republic of Ireland, whilst emphasising that agricultural grievances predated the current fuel dispute.

"The problems on farms and other industries and small and medium sized businesses were boiling up before the fuel issue came to pass," he said.

According to Mr Taylor, inheritance tax represents a critical pressure point for the farming community, compounded by numerous other levies imposed upon the sector.

"For farmers it's inheritance tax, and it's all the other taxes that have been piled on us.

"And now we have the fuel, which is basically enough to break the camel's back," he declared.

The group maintains it possesses workable solutions to the current impasse and is seeking constructive dialogue with ministers.

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"If they meet with us in the next couple of weeks, good. That's what we want to do; sit down with them and sort this out once and for all," Mr Taylor added.

He confirmed that scattered protests have already occurred in Northern Ireland, with further action anticipated, and similar demonstrations potentially emerging in England.

Mr Taylor endorsed peaceful protest activity, provided participants avoid obstructing access to hospitals, schools or other essential services.

The campaign group spokesman placed responsibility for the current crisis squarely on successive governments, urging people not to attribute blame solely to Donald Trump.

"If this Government had gone forward with biofuel in 2012 and did their duty back then, you would have aviation on biofuel. You would have farm tractors and biofuel," Mr Taylor argued.

"This Government and the previous one have been asleep at the wheel," he concluded.

Frustration among farmers and hauliers over diesel availability and prices has grown significantly in recent weeks.

Diesel is now selling above £2 per litre at more than 50 filling stations nationwide - and while average prices have not yet reached this threshold, the most expensive forecourts are charging up to £1.99 for petrol and even more for diesel.