Farmers Pull Out Of Protest To Disrupt Port Of Felixstowe

15th April UPDATE

According to multiple reports, farmers actually refused to take part in this planned protest, leading to it being called off. A spokesperson for farmers commented “We don’t want to upset anyone and make it worse.”

Original Post:

Farmer organised fuel protests are potentially about to take place across the UK from today through to the end of the week, with concerns mounting over possible disruption to major transport routes and Felixstowe port.

If they go ahead, demonstrations are anticipated to begin around midday on Wednesday, April 15, and may continue through to Friday, April 17. Protesters are reportedly planning to slow traffic deliberately in order to draw attention to rising fuel costs, particularly the increasing price of red diesel, which is widely used in agriculture.

One of the areas most likely to be affected is the Port of Felixstowe, the UK’s busiest container port. The nearby A14, an essential route for freight moving in and out of the port, is expected to be a primary focus for demonstrators. By creating congestion along this corridor, protesters could significantly impact supply chains and delivery schedules.

Similar tactics have been used in the past. During a previous protest, over 90 tractors formed a slow-moving convoy, repeatedly travelling the stretch of road leading to the port and causing major delays. If this approach is repeated this week, then major disruption is to be expected.

In addition to Felixstowe, several other locations across the UK have been identified as possible gathering points. These include major motorway junctions and strategic routes such as the M1/M25 interchange, the A1(M) at Scotch Corner, the M4/M5 junction, and the Dartford Crossing on the M25. Other sites mentioned include sections of the M6, M8, M20, and the A50 Uttoxeter Bypass, all of which are critical to national road connectivity.

The planned demonstrations appear to mirror recent fuel protests seen in Ireland, as farmers set out to express their frustration over escalating fuel prices, rising operating costs, and broader financial pressures affecting both the agricultural and transport sectors.

If turnout is significant and protests continue over several days, disruption could extend beyond the immediate protest period. Congestion and delays may persist into early next week, particularly affecting the movement of goods to and from Felixstowe.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Police confirmed that authorities are aware of the potential demonstrations, noting that officers will work with organisers to ensure any protest remains safe and peaceful. Motorists have been advised to plan ahead and expect possible delays, especially along the A14.

Westbound will continue to monitor this news should it develop.