The founder of Save British Farming has urged farmers to consider militant action as a last resort whilst warning against alienating public support through hasty escalation of protests.
Liz Webster told GB News that while farmers should "not rule out harder action" in their fight against proposed inheritance tax changes, the immediate focus should be on building public awareness through positive campaigning.
"When it gets to it, we need to use all the tools in the book, but I don't think that we should ramp it up this quickly. I think we need to keep building public support, because I'm scared that the public will get angry with us like they got with Just Stop Oil," Webster said.
She emphasised that campaigning is "an art in itself" and farmers need to take a gradual approach to their protest strategy.
Farmers are planning their latest protest as Labour continue ahead with their inheritance tax changes to the industry.
A national day of action is planned for January 25, with tractors set to gather outside marginal Labour constituencies.
More radical elements within the farming community are reportedly planning to target supermarket distribution centres across the country.
A letter campaign is also underway, with children writing appeals to Keir Starmer about the future of farming. Webster advocated for demonstrations in both rural and urban Labour constituencies.
"It's actually a myth that people in towns don't care about food and farming, of course they do," she said.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Webster highlighted the emotional impact of the public's support for farmers, admitting it "makes her cry".
She explained: "The public response to these demos is amazing. It makes me cry whenever I do it, just to feel that love back from the public.
"And so I think for us, for our mental health, doing this is a really good idea."
She emphasised that such positive demonstrations boost farmers' mental health while gaining local press coverage.
However, Webster warned that tougher action might become necessary if Labour doesn't reconsider its inheritance tax plans.
"If we do get close to that cliff edge, if Starmer doesn't change his mind, then I think we should not rule out harder action," she said.
She described the inheritance tax issue as potentially creating a "humanitarian crisis."
"I'm prepared to do whatever I can to save people's lives, because that's what this is about," Webster emphasised.
However, she maintained that the immediate priority should be building public awareness. "We've been too quiet for too long, and we've let the supermarkets just capitalise on what we actually do," she said.
"We need to be doing positive campaigning, spreading the love and getting people on our farms as well, getting children involved," Webster concluded.
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Liz Webster told GB News that while farmers should "not rule out harder action" in their fight against proposed inheritance tax changes, the immediate focus should be on building public awareness through positive campaigning.
"When it gets to it, we need to use all the tools in the book, but I don't think that we should ramp it up this quickly. I think we need to keep building public support, because I'm scared that the public will get angry with us like they got with Just Stop Oil," Webster said.
She emphasised that campaigning is "an art in itself" and farmers need to take a gradual approach to their protest strategy.
Farmers are planning their latest protest as Labour continue ahead with their inheritance tax changes to the industry.
A national day of action is planned for January 25, with tractors set to gather outside marginal Labour constituencies.
More radical elements within the farming community are reportedly planning to target supermarket distribution centres across the country.
A letter campaign is also underway, with children writing appeals to Keir Starmer about the future of farming. Webster advocated for demonstrations in both rural and urban Labour constituencies.
"It's actually a myth that people in towns don't care about food and farming, of course they do," she said.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Labour councillor brands Starmer a 'liar' and slams 'attack on working class and grandparents'
- Farmer fears he may be forced to sell his farm due to Labour's inheritance tax raid: 'No point!'
- 'It's two fingers up to farmers!' Keir Starmer dealt fresh blow over inheritance tax raid
Webster highlighted the emotional impact of the public's support for farmers, admitting it "makes her cry".
She explained: "The public response to these demos is amazing. It makes me cry whenever I do it, just to feel that love back from the public.
"And so I think for us, for our mental health, doing this is a really good idea."
She emphasised that such positive demonstrations boost farmers' mental health while gaining local press coverage.
However, Webster warned that tougher action might become necessary if Labour doesn't reconsider its inheritance tax plans.
"If we do get close to that cliff edge, if Starmer doesn't change his mind, then I think we should not rule out harder action," she said.
She described the inheritance tax issue as potentially creating a "humanitarian crisis."
"I'm prepared to do whatever I can to save people's lives, because that's what this is about," Webster emphasised.
However, she maintained that the immediate priority should be building public awareness. "We've been too quiet for too long, and we've let the supermarkets just capitalise on what we actually do," she said.
"We need to be doing positive campaigning, spreading the love and getting people on our farms as well, getting children involved," Webster concluded.
Find Out More...