‘Scotland will have more responsibility’ – Mundell
It is absolutely ridiculous to suggest the Defra is queuing up to take control over Scotland’s hill farmers Scottish Secretary, David Mundell told farmers on Thursday night.
Speaking during a debate at the SRUC’S Barony College in Dumfries, he emphasised that “not a single area of decision” which was taken by the Scottish Government in relation to agriculture would change post-brexit:
“Indeed, Scotland will have more responsibility than they currently do.”
He told a packed audience that the UK and Scottish governments were engaged in a “very extensive and detailed” negotiation as to exactly what the balance of those responsibilities which were coming back from the EU should be – and where responsibility should rest.
He said that any resumption of current powers would be completely inconsistent with the path of devolution which was currently under way: “How, credibly, could the UK government devolve responsibility over income tax system, much of the welfare system to the Scottish Parliament and then suddenly decide, ‘Oh well, we’ll have crofting back’?
“It is not the case and that is not the direction of travel,” said Mundell.
However, he stressed that the issues currently being discussed were detailed and required careful consideration:
“We are having detailed discussions over which powers should be exercised immediately, in Scotland when we leave the EU and which will require some sort of middle ground – an agreement but not a legislative agreement.”
Mundell said that there would be other areas in which the benefits of a Ukwide single market would require common regulations – such as animal transport and pesticide legislation.
The vast bulk of Scottish production goes into the rest of the UK, therefore it is essential that we keep common rules, he said, adding: “I’m very confident that between us the Scottish and UK governments will be able to agree these issues.”
Recognising the importance of migrant labour to the industry, he said that the Migration Advisory Committee was assessing the needs of agriculture.
The minister also stressed that environmental policy would also be decided in Scotland, saying: “And that’s why the 25-year environmental plan launched by Michael Gove does not reference Scotland.”