Union seeks quick answers over Brexit uncertainties
If the general election was called to create stability in the face of the challenges of securing a sound Brexit deal, the resultant hung parliament has done little to provide much-needed clarity for the farming industry.
Speaking shortly after the outcome of the election became obvious, NFU Scotland president Andrew Mccornick said any hope of the creation of a clear mandate for the talks had been shattered.
He said the union was clear that this issue remained the biggest challenge facing agriculture:
“Our members want to know what will happen now with the proposed Great Repeal Bill, the timescale on Brexit talks and where commitments given by all the parties during the election on policies to support food and farming now sit.”
Clarity on the formation and direction of the next government had to come quickly, warned Mccornick, as the intention was to kick-start Brexit negotiations in Europe in ten days’ time – although signals from the European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, had indicated the negotiations wouldn’t begin “until the UK is ready”.
M cc or nick said :“it is vital that, whatever the shape of the new administration, or the timing on negotiations starting, the industry is given a clear and early signal that its priorities around trade, labour, future policy and support will be recognised.”
Mccornick gave an undertaking that the union would remain on the front foot, building on the constant Brexit dialogue which had been under way with politicians and policymakers in Holyrood, Westminster and Brussels since the EU referendum vote.
“Next week, the union will be back in Brussels engaging with fellow European farming unions and commission officials on Brexit,” he said, adding that the forthcoming Highland Show offered an excellent platform to meet with many of Scotland’s new and returning crop of MPS. Mccornick also stated that the industry expected that both the new Scottish Secretary and the Defra secretary should put in an appearance at this key event.
Meanwhile, the hung parliament could result in a move away from the previous government’s “hard Brexit” line, according to the union’s parliamentary officer, Clare Slipper.
She said the fact that the Conservative Party was likely to be forced to rely heavily on the support of other parties in order to pass votes and formulate its negotiating stance could lead to a substantial change which was likely to favour a softer Brexit than had been intended:
“And this could have significant implications for agriculture,” said Slipper, who added that whatever the outcome of the inevitable political horse-trading over the coming days and weeks, the hung parliament result was likely to have a significant impact on course of Brexit talks.
Other commentators have indicated that a tiein with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) would add to this effect. While the DUP backs Brexit because of the border with the Republic of Ireland, it favours a softer option, with the movement of goods and access to labour across the border likely to become an important factor.