Supermarket chain Morrisons has taken out a High Court injunction preventing anyone from protesting at its sites – amid what it calls a “serious threat” of further action.
It comes after dozens of farmers angry at inheritance tax reforms and food prices used tractors to block roads outside the chain’s distribution depot in Bridgewater, Somerset, on 10 January.
Just a day later, Morrisons‘s head of agriculture, Sophie Throup, released a video on social media saying the supermarket supported British farming and shared concerns over the government’s controversial tax changes.
Morrisons said it was taking the action to “protect” its business and the “integrity of the food supply chain”.
In a statement, the company insisted it still backed British farmers.
A spokesperson said: “Given the protests experienced recently and the serious threat of immediate further action, we’ve had to take the difficult decision to seek a High Court injunction to restrain unlawful protest action aimed at preventing us from operating from our sites referenced in the injunction order.
“However, please know that we remain committed to continuing to work with all our farming network on the issues that matter most to you.”
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The injunction was granted by the High Court on 16 January.
It prohibits anyone from causing blockades or obstructing traffic, including the use of tractors and agricultural vehicles and equipment.
It applies to several of the retailer’s sites, including Bridgewater, Cheshire, Kettering and Wakefield.
Morrisons said those who contravened the injunction may be in contempt of court and could be sent to prison, fined or have their assets seized.
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Farmers are angry at the government’s reforms to inheritance tax which will see farms worth more than £1m liable for 20% tax from April next year.
The government has defended the shake-up, saying its commitment to farmers is “steadfast” and that only a small number will be affected.
Farmers To Action, the group which organised the Somerset protest, has been approached for comment.