Politiciansmeet withfarmers

Politicians from across Perthshire have been meeting with local National Farmers Union Scotland representatives in a roundtable discussion at Gloagburn Farm in Tibbermore.

Luke Graham MP, Liz Smith MSP, Murdo Fraser MSP and Pete Wishart MP were at the meeting on Friday, May 4.

The MPs and MSPs were joined by local NFU Scotland representatives, with topics of discussion including customs, immigration, and land reform.

With the issue of a Customs Union is a hot topic of discussion just now, as Brexit negotiations continue between the Prime Minister and the EU, the National Farmers Union Scotland were keen to ensure their voice was heard ahead of upcoming Brexit debates in parliament.

The group also discussed the issue of minimum wages, with questions also being raised over SNP proposals to increase the minimum wage for under 25s. Concerns were expressed that this may discourage farmers taking on new trainees or apprentices.

Luke Graham, Conservative MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, who welcomed the constructive discussion at the meeting, said:“These roundtable discussions are a great way of bringing local farmers and politicians together. It is a good chance to have more detailed and frank discussions about current and future policy.

“A few months ago I was able to bring Michael Gove, Secretary of State for DEFRA, to Gloagburn and am keen to bring more Government ministers to our constituency, so the voice of Ochil & South Perthshire is heard loud & clear inWestminster.”