Farms minister criticised over cancelled meetings

UK farming minister Michael Gove has faced criticism after cancelling two meetings about the post-Brexit future of the farming industry.

In a move that has infuriated the Scottish Government, Mr Gove has found time in his busy schedule to attend the Royal Highland Show this week.

The Brexiteer was due to chair the EU transition forum – which discusses farming issues with devolved nations including Scotland – tomorrow and again in July.

A Scottish Government source said: “Michael Gove should be taking the concerns of Scotland’s agriculture sector seriously – but in cancelling these key Brexit meetings, he is treating the nation’s farming communities with contempt.

“At the same time as he has ditched these talks, he has found time to come to the Royal Highland Show instead.

“While any opportunity to hear the concerns of farmers is welcome, Mr Gove’s actions show he is not serious about engaging with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

The forum is where farming ministers from across the UK discuss what happens to EU funding and regulation for the industry after Brexit. It was set to meet tomorrow in London and again on July 17.

However, a Defra spokesman responded that Mr Gove was wholly committed to working with all the devolved bodies throughout the Brexit negotiations.

He said: “These meetings were unavoidably moved. One clashed with the week of the Queen’s Speech, the other coincided with July’s EU Ag & Fish Council, an essential meeting with European counterparts which is obviously vital.

“This in no way diminishes the Secretary of State’s commitment to working with the devolved administrations and both meetings will be rescheduled as soon as diaries allow.”

Michael Gove