Farming and fisheries leaders ask Ministers to focus on delivering best possible Brexit outcome

Farming and fisheries leaders have urged the Scottish Government to ensure enough is done to implement trade and export policy after the country leaves the EU.

NFU Scotland and the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation are calling for ministers and civil servants to work closely with them to minimise risks and maximise opportunities.

NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick said: “Everybody recognises that Brexit will create difficulties, but we believe that if government and the sectors work together these can be overcome.

“This is an opportunity for a bold approach to policy which will make Scottish agriculture productive, innovative and, above all, profitable.”

SFF president Ian Gatt stated: “Both the SFF and NFU Scotland are seriously concerned about how prepared the Scottish government is for a range of Brexit scenarios and about its ability to exercise responsibilities repatriated from Brussels.

“We are seeking assurances from ministers that they will have the human and material resources to exercise the full range of devolved powers in the run up to, and after Brexit.

“As we know from many years of experience, close collaboration with the Scottish government on farming and fisheries is essential to smooth day-to-day operations.”

The two met at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston and intend to meet again in the early autumn to discuss areas of common ground in detail.

COMMENTS(4)

Add Your Comment
  • David Spence

    • June 22nd, 2018 14:05

    The best action would be not to do Brex*hit at all.

    Brex*hit is nothing more than to benefit the Tories, and nobody else.

    Trade deal with the USA, mass privatization of government responsibilities and duties of care to US companies.

    ‘ “This is an opportunity for a bold approach to policy which will make Scottish agriculture productive, innovative and, above all, profitable.” ‘

    Note the emphasis on ‘ profits ‘. So, one should expect the cost of living in the UK to go up significantly as a consequence of Brex*hit, where the exceedingly small minority will benefit at the cost to the majority.

    Oh, one good point with Brex*hit, we get our sovereignty back………..not that it was in any danger to begin with……….but your xenophobic brexiteer’s just loved to point this out.

    I sincerely hope the EU punishes the UK significantly, trade-wise….and….jobs….because Brex*hit will do just as much damage, if not more.

    REPLY
  • John Tulloch

    • June 23rd, 2018 11:34

    In other words, “Belay the focus on undermining the negotiators to try and wreck Brexit, and focus instead on getting the best deal for the UK and Scotland.”

    REPLY
  • David Spence

    • June 23rd, 2018 19:44

    Brexit is more to do with benefiting the Tories and not the people.

    It will also mean many of the government responsibilities and duties of care going to the private sector (most likely US companies) where, as mentioned, the Tories will benefit.

    Brexit, is nothing to do with sovereignty or bringing back control (as the xenophobic (not all but a large majority) leavers falsely believed) it is more to do with giving the Tories (since there is no competent opposition unfortunately) the greenlight to do as they please.

    People say they want a vote on the final say of this Governments negotiating what deal they can get with the EU, but in reality, statistics can be made up, manipulated and falsely given to suit any particular agenda of the Government.

    I am sick to death of hearing ‘ It is what the people voted for (which I seriously question) ‘ as a reason and excuse to justify the huge mess we are in and the laughing stock of Europe and the world.

    Brexit, benefit for the few at the cost to the many.

    REPLY
  • John Tulloch

    • June 26th, 2018 9:39

    Getting the best deal for Scotland out of Brexit was never the SNP’s aim. It was, rather, to promote conflict with Westminster, with a view to forcing another independence referendum in Scotland. i.e. for party political purposes, as opposed to what is best for Scotland.

    Added to former SNP leader Jim Sillars denunciation of the “Westminster Power Grab” stunt, a trend is becoming apparent – even senior courtiers now dare call out “Empress Sturgeon’s New Clothes”.

    REPLY

Add Your Comment

Please note, it is the policy of The Shetland Times to publish comments and letters from named individuals only. Both forename and surname are required.

Comments are moderated. Contributors must observe normal standards of decency and tolerance for the opinions of others.

The views expressed are those of contributors and not of The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Times reserves the right to decline or remove any contribution without notice or stating reason.

Comments are limited to 200 words but please email longer articles or letters to [email protected] for consideration and include a daytime telephone number and your address. If emailing information in confidence please put "Not for publication" in both the subject line and at the top of the main message.

200 words left

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.