Union’s national hustings event runs tonight

Farmers have been encouraged to turn out in force for NFU Scotland’s national hustings event which will take place tonight at Lanark Auction Mart.

The union believes this general election is pivotal for the industry and NFUS president Andrew McCornick, who will chair the debate, said it was a key opportunity to hear how the parties would prioritise agriculture at this crunch-point in the Brexit negotiations.

“NFU Scotland is under no illusion about the challenges presented by the negotiations to leave the EU, undoing more than 40 years of the Common Agricultural Policy in the process,” he said.

“Brexit will undoubtedly present us with opportunities and the chance to look forward, but that needs UK negotiators to secure a good deal in the months ahead.”

At the event, the main parties contesting Scottish seats will outline their vision for Scottish agriculture, the Brexit negotiations and government over the next five years.

Members will get the opportunity to meet and question the parties on the negotiation of new trading arrangements, immigration rules, and a new system of agricultural policy.

Representatives from the four main parties have been invited to attend.

They are Calum Kerr (SNP), John Scott (Scottish Conservatives), Caitlin Stott (Scottish Labour) and Mike Rumbles (Scottish Liberal Democrats).

The hustings will take place at Lanark Auction Mart, Muirglen, Hyndford Road, Lanark, ML11 9AX, tonight at 7.30.