SNP should pull its weight on CAP reform

27 Sep 2012

Reform of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was debated today in the Scottish Parliament.

During it, the SNP said the UK Government should do more in negotiating with Brussels, but that has been refuted by the Scottish Conservatives, who reminded the Scottish Government that it has to pull its weight at the negotiating table.

In-fact, Westminster is taking Scotland’s requirements on board and making the appropriate representations in Europe, but wants Holyrood still to put work in too, it was argued.

Scottish Conservatives rural affairs spokesman Alex Fergusson MSP said:

“As ever, the Scottish Government is all too keen to place the entire responsibility for CAP reform at the door of the UK Government.

“The truth is that there is a great deal that it can do by itself to bring about the changes that are necessary to get the best possible deal for Scottish agriculture in these negotiations.

“Therefore, rather than just blaming everyone else, it is time for the Scottish Government to step up to the mark and get to work for the benefit of Scottish agriculture.”