‘More powers’ for f ishing and farms

SCOTS fishermen and farmers are to be given a categoric assurance that their industries will not be used as bargaining chips in Brexit negotiations.

Michael Gove is due to come to Scotland next week to give his first major speech since being reinstated in Theresa May’s Cabinet as Environment Secretary.

He is scheduled to visit the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, near Edinburgh, to send out the message that the farming industry will get more control when the UK leaves the European Union.

Edinburgh-born Mr Gove, a leading campaigner in the Leave campaign, is also expected to visit fishing ports in the North East in the next few weeks to promise Britain will have full control of its waters after splitting from Brussels.

The assurances are being provided in response to fears that the farming and fishing industries could still be forced to abide by Brussels edicts in exchange for Britain securing tariff-free, barrier-free access to the European single market.

Yesterday, Scottish Secretary David Mundell met fishermen in Peterhead and highlighted the benefits of leaving the ‘disastrous’ Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

He said: ‘The fishing industry is an important part of Scotland’s rural economy. I am clear that we will do everything possible to protect and promote the interests of our fishing industry.’

Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said the election had ‘delivered a powerful message’ to both the UK and Scottish governments that ‘we have to get out of the CFP’.

He added: ‘It’s clear the message is being received by politicians and we now need them to deliver in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations on the restoration of control of our seas.’