Furious farmworkers were today due to arrive at Westminster to demand an end to what they describe as Government attempts to push rural workers into poverty.
A tractor and a band called "Farmageddon" is joining them in setting up camp opposite the House of Commons. They claim ministers are rushing through plans to scrap the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB), which protects 154,000 rural workers' pay and terms and conditions, with just four weeks consultation.
Steve Leniec, AWB member and rural farm worker said: "The government is pushing people into poverty and putting rural communities in jeopardy. Without the AWB to negotiate pay and fair housing, wages will fall to the lowest legal wage possible."