Gove planning review of £160m convergence cash distribution

Pressure continued to mount yesterday on the UK government to address the issue of the £160 million given by the EU to even up the level of support payments in the various countries within the UK.

Earlier this week, Scottish rural affairs minister Fergus Ewing criticised his UK counterpart, saying that it was only because of Scotland’s low rate of area support that the UK had received the cash. The £160m of socalled “convergence uplift” cash belonged, according to Ewing, to Scottish hill farmers – a point backed up by NFU Scotland president Andrew Mccornick, who claimed the UK government had prevaricated for years on the issue.

In the latest move revealed yesterday, Scot- tish Land & Estates (SL&E) – which represent landowners in Scotland – welcomed news that the situation was now likely to be reviewed by Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

On a visit to Westminster, David Johnstone, SL&E chairman, stated: “Scottish farming, the Scottish Government and politicians from across the political spectrum have been united in seeking a review of the convergence uplift funding.

“The news that Mr Gove is likely to look at this issue in more detail following an appeal by Alistair Jack MP and other Conservative members, is greatly welcomed.

“There is a unique set of circumstances for agriculture in Scotland, which qualifies the UK as a whole for this payment, and it is only reasonable that Scotland receives the additional support it needs to address the challenges the sector faces.”

Johnstone’s comments came as the landowners lobbied the government on the need for progress and direction on Brexit. He said: “Time is moving quickly, and we need to develop the specific detail of what our land is expected to deliver over future decades and what support framework and funding will underpin that.”

He also called for closer co-operation between Westminster and Holyrood in developing policy, commenting: “In the coming months, there is a clear desire to see more detail on how Westminster and Holyrood can work together in order that agricultural trade, support and regulation are equitable throughout the UK.”