Events to take place in Lanarkshire and Aberdeenshire ahead of May 22

Candidates from each of the parties standing at next month’s EU election will be represented at NFU Scotland’s hustings events next month.

The hustings, which are primarily for NFU Scotland members, will take place on Tuesday 6 May at Shawlands Park Hotel, Larkhall and on Thursday 8 May at Lochter Activity Centre, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire. Both events will take place from 7pm to 9pm.

The following representatives have now been confirmed for the events: Liberal Democrats, George Lyon MEP; Conservatives, Dr Ian Duncan; SNP, Alyn Smith MEP; and Labour, Derek Munn.

A short summary will be given by each of the candidates of their vision for the next European Parliament and the role of agriculture in Scotland and the EU. The floor will then be opened up for questions from members.

The events are being held ahead of the European elections, to be held on May 22 in the UK and are aimed at providing information for members to allow them to make an informed decision on that date.

NFU Scotland’s Parliamentary Officer, Clare Slipper commented: “Whilst the Scottish independence referendum draws ever nearer, it is still very much business as usual for our other parliamentary bodies.

“The European elections on May 22 are a pivotal opportunity for Scottish citizens to vote in a team of six representatives who will fight to secure the best future for Scotland within the highest legislative bodies.

“We understand that the policy-making process in Europe can sometimes appear much removed from day-to-day life. Therefore, we hope our hustings events will increase understanding amongst our members about what happens in the European powerhouse – and, essentially, how our MEPs can secure a positive long-term outlook for Scottish farming.

“We encourage as many members as possible to come along to the hustings events, which will be a great opportunity to meet and put questions to the candidates fighting for your vote on May 22.”

Any NFU Scotland members who would like to attend or would like more information are encouraged to get in touch with Clare Slipper by emailing clare.slipper@nfus.org.uk.

Notes to Editors

• The hustings events will take place on Tuesday 6 May at Shawlands Park Hotel, Larkhall and on Thursday 8 May at Lochter Activity Centre, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire. Both events will take place between 7pm and 9pm.
• The speakers at both events will be as follows:
  Liberal Democrat – George Lyon MEP
  Conservative – Dr Ian Duncan (number one on Tory list; will replace the retiring Struan Stevenson if Conservatives are voted in)
  SNP – Alyn Smith MEP
  Labour – Derek Munn (number three on Labour list; previously held agriculture advisory brief in historic Scottish Parliament cabinet under Jack McConnell).
• For any media who would like to attend the event, or for a copy of NFU Scotland’s manifesto for the EU elections, please contact media@nfus.org.uk or 0131 472 4108.

Ends

Contact Ruth McClean on 0131 472 4108