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Union Meets Politicians and Officials as Monthly Westminster Meetings Commence

NFU Scotland has met with newly elected Scottish MPs across the political spectrum in its first visit to Westminster since the General Election on 8 June.

As well as the parliamentary meetings, NFUS Director of Policy Jonnie Hall and Parliamentary Officer Clare Slipper also had valuable talks with Defra officials on Brexit.  MPs and officials were provided with a copy of NFU Scotland’s Brexit discussion document ‘Change – A New Agricultural Policy for Scotland Post-Brexit’ launched at the Highland Show last week. As part of NFU Scotland’s engagement on Brexit, staff and officeholders will be in Westminster on a monthly basis.

The Union’s Brexit document will also be the stimulus for discussion and debate with members at almost 30 agricultural shows this summer; a focus for the Tory Party Conference and the Union’s autumn conference in October; a driver for debate at AgriScot in November and the basis for a round of regional member meetings across Scotland pre-Christmas.

The discussion with members continues this weekend, with Jonnie Hall attending Haddington Show and keen to discuss Brexit with members.  Vice President Gary Mitchell will be attending Fettercairn Show and copies of the Brexit discussion document will also be available at Doune and Dunblane Show and the Scottish Game Fair at Scone.

Speaking after a lengthy day of meetings, Mr Hall said: “This was a very positive start to our post-election engagement at Westminster which we will continue in the months ahead. Our priority is securing the very best deal for Scotland’s farmers and crofters from Brexit negotiations and putting policies in place that give our producers a prosperous and profitable future.  

“We are on the front foot through the open discussion we continue to have with our members, other stakeholders, officials and elected representatives.

“Our vision for the next decade is to capitalise on new market opportunities coupled with a new domestic agricultural policy that will move our farmers and crofters to a position where market returns are the primary driver of profitability.

“Today we met with 11 newly elected Scottish MPs from various parties and I believe that will give us a very valuable platform for more in depth discussions in the future.

“It was also valuable to discuss with Defra officials the direction of future agricultural policy and how NFUS can engage with the process of the Repeal Bill and the Agriculture Bill.

“All in all, a very positive post-election start to our plans for future engagement with this weekend’s activities at shows up and down the country to look forward to.”  

Notes to Editors


  • NFU Scotland’s discussion document ‘Change – A New Agricultural Policy for Scotland Post-Brexit’ is available to read at: https://www.nfus.org.uk/userfiles/images/Policy/Brexit/Brexit%20Doc%20-%20pages.pdf
  • At Westminster, NFU Scotland met the following MPs:  
    • Liberal Democrats - Alistair Carmichael, Lib Dem spokesperson in the Commons on Defra matters. 
    • Scottish Conservatives - Andrew Bowie, Colin Clark, Luke Graham, Stephen Kerr, Kirstene Hair, John Lamont and Douglas Ross. 
    • SNP - Angus Brendan MacNeil, SNP spokesperson on Defra matters and his colleagues Brendan O’Hara and Philippa Whitford. 
  • Photos available on request from media@nfus.org.uk 
  • A short Vlog by Parliamentary Officer Clare Slipper can also be viewed on the NFU Scotland Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/nfuscotland/

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006

Author: Bob Carruth

Date Published:

News Article No.: 94/17


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About The Author

Bob Carruth

A dairy farmer’s son, I joined NFU Scotland in 1999 after 13 years as an agricultural journalist. Following spells as a regional manager and policy lead on milk, livestock and animal health and welfare, I became Communications Director in 2008.

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