Michael Gove has ‘let the cat out of the bag’, admitting that
Brexit will seriously harm UK agriculture, according to Stewart
Stevenson MSP. The Secretary of State told the NFU
Conference today that there was “no absolute guarantee” that
British farmers could export to the EU under a No Deal scenario –
and would face crippling tariffs even if they could. With
just 38 days remaining until the UK is due to leave the EU – and
with a No Deal Brexit looking more...Request free trial
has ‘let the cat out of the
bag’, admitting that Brexit will seriously harm UK agriculture,
according to .
The Secretary of State told the NFU Conference today that
there was “no absolute guarantee” that British farmers could export
to the EU under a No Deal scenario – and would face crippling
tariffs even if they could.
With just 38 days remaining until the UK is due to leave the
EU – and with a No Deal Brexit looking more likely by the day – Mr
Gove also confirmed that such a disastrous outcome would lead to
delays at Channel ports, jeopardising high quality Scottish produce
en route to European markets.
Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:
“ has let the cat out of the bag.
As an arch-Brexiteer he used to trumpet the pie in the sky benefits
of leaving Europe. But now, with less than 40 days until we’re set
to leave the EU, reality is hitting home.
“Brexit will damage UK agriculture regardless of whether it’s
a No Deal outcome, or the Tories’ bad deal. They should stop
presenting it as a binary choice and recognise that Scotland voted
overwhelmingly to Remain.
“Our farmers have no certainty that they’ll even have access
to the European market whatsoever in just a few weeks’ time. And
those exporting top quality fresh produce from Scotland to the
continent could see it going rotten on the back of lorries after
lengthy customs delays at channel ports. If this is allowed to
happen, the Tories will never be forgiven.
“We need to extend Article 50 as a matter of urgency, and get
sensible options back on the table before we lose more jobs and our
economy takes a hammering.
“As the clock ticks down, Brexit continues to expose how
badly Scotland’s interests are served by Westminster Tories who
don’t care and don’t listen. Increasingly it’s clear we need to
take all decisions over our future here in Scotland.”
