Ewing lacks vision: claim

Frustrations over Brexit spilled over after a Scottish Parliament committee meeting when Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Rumbles accused Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing of a “lack of vision” for Scottish agriculture.

During an exchange in the meeting Mr Rumbles asked Mr Ewing to set out his vision for farm support and said farm businesses wanted to know what was in store for them after Brexit.

He went on to criticise the minister for describing weather difficulties instead of elaborating on the government’s plans.

“If it wasn’t clear before that the Cabinet Secretary has no clue what to do next, it is now,” he said later.

“Most ministers would relish the opportunity to design a new bespoke system that works directly for Scotland, but Mr Ewing is more interested in arguing with his counterpart in Westminster.

“Scotland has a lot to offer, our unique produce is known across the world but under this inept government we’ve gone from crisis to crisis and now uncertainty about the future is severely damaging our rural industries.

“The Scottish Government has had two years to come up with a plan. With the final deal on Brexit only 10 months from now, we need to see a clear direction of travel for our rural economy.”

Mr Ewing’s response was to say the Tories were responsible for the “Brexit chaos and uncertainty”.

He added: “It is the UK Government who need to provide urgent clarity on what leaving Europe means for Scotland’s farmers and crofters – Brexit is their policy and they are the ones at the negotiating table.”