NSA SCOTLAND RESPONDS TO RT HON GEORGE EUSTICE MP COMMENTS ON LAMB TARIFFS IN THE EVENT OF A NO DEAL BREXIT

15th November 2020

The Rt Hon George Eustice MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, appeared today (15 November 2020) on the Andrew Marr show. Whilst being questioned on the subject of EU negotiations, Brexit trade deals and likely tariffs in the event of a no deal, Mr Eustice appears to believe that UK farmers would not be impacted by these tariffs. However, he did acknowledge that tariffs on lamb could cause significant issues and a solution would be: ‘mixed farmers could always diversify into beef because the UK would be importing less from Ireland’.

NSA Scotland Chair, Jen Craig has responded to these comments and wishes to make clear what NSA Scotland stands for and is actively pursuing. “It would appear the sheep industry concerns on the impact of tariffs in the event of a no deal have been falling on deaf ears. For a Government minister to suggest on national television that our mixed farmers could diversify into beef in the event of the lamb price crashing is quite frankly a laughable response. The industry has been calling for support packages to be put in place for compensation for the sheep sector in the event of a no deal. However, there continues to be a complete lack of clarity and guidance for our industry to plan for the next few months. If the UK government cannot reach a deal with the EU and if Mr Eustice believes we will be unaffected then I see absolutely no reason for the UK Government not to have a compensation scheme ready and waiting. Not only would this allow sheep farmers to plan ahead and know there will be support available in the event of a no deal, it would also reassure them that the Government is indeed taking the threat to their businesses and livelihoods seriously. The Scottish economy relies on the export of the lambs it produces. It has never been so important for our industry to be protected and maintained into the future in terms of food production, national importance, climate change targets and also the preservation of rural communities.”

To see the interview, at 47.30 minutes, please click here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/.../the-andrew-marr-show-15112020