NEWS MSP warns of Brexit danger to region’s farmers

Perth and Kinross farmers have been warned of the dangers of a no deal Brexit.

During a visit to Perth Show at the weekend, Lib Dem MEP Sheila Ritchie said there is a real danger to Scotland’s agricultural industry and those working within it, should there be a no deal Brexit.

She said under a no deal, “significant”tariffs could be added to lamb and beef exports, which could be as high as 84 per cent on cattle carcasses, 46 per cent on lamb, and 61 per cent on cuts of lamb.

Ms Ritchie, who sits on the European Parliament’s agriculture and rural development committee, added progress of key legislation such as the agriculture bill has not been made.

Speaking at Perth Show, she said: “While the Tories continue to play chicken on Brexit, the situation is getting worse and worse for the agriculture industry and those employed within it.

“NFU Scotland has highlighted the growing mental health issues faced by agricultural workers and an increase in deaths on Scotland’s farms.

“Farmers will undoubtedly be extremely anxious about the future of subsidies and trade realtions.

“It’s time for Boris Johnson to stop his no deal threats, which wreak havoc and distress on Scottish farmers.”

She was joined on the day by Cllr Peter Barrett, who represents the city centre at Perth and Kinross Council, who said:“With the threat of a no deal Brexit looming large, stress and anxiety in the agriculture community has now reached breaking point.

“The new prime minister must stop his political game playing, which threatens the health and livelihood of farm workers.”