Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed the UK Government’s creation of a Trade and Agriculture Commission to help negotiate around new trade deals after Britain leaves the EU.
The potential of the commission to safeguard food and farming standards and protect the integrity of iconic Scottish brands, has also been welcomed by NFU Scotland.
Commenting following the announcement, Douglas said: “The commission would have the power to ensure that all imports match the standards equal to those of our Scottish farmers, food and drink producers and as the MP in an area where farming dominates our fragile rural economy, I very much welcome this commitment which reaffirms that the UK Government won’t make any concessions when it comes to food and animal welfare standards.
“This pledge to put down firm markers to protect our food standards during negotiations was a keystone in securing the support of NFU Scotland who have agreed to engage positively during the process to establish terms of reference for the new commission which must happen quickly to ensure that the body is firmly established prior to our departure from the EU.
“Everyone should be working together in order to secure the best trade deals for Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, in order to support our farmers and rural communities.
“This announcement is hugely welcome from the UK Government, once again reaffirming that they are absolutely committed to the highest possible food standards and animal welfare standards in any future trade deals.
“There has been false information spread by many online, particularly by the SNP that the UK Government were not going to protect our food standards and put our farming and rural communities at risk. Nothing could be further from the truth and this commission now puts those stories absolutely to bed.
“I am fully committed to standing up for the best trade deals for Scotland going forward to benefit my constituents and it is time that every SNP MP did the same.”