LOSING FARMING POWERS TO WESTMINSTER COULD UNDERMINE GOOD FOOD NATION
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 20 September 2017 12:00
Commenting on the UK Government’s list of devolved areas affected by the EU (Withdrawal) Bill, Pete Ritchie, Executive Director at Nourish Scotland said:
“Westminster’s plan to centralise currently devolved EU powers is an affront to democracy.
“We agree that in some policy areas, like agricultural support, it may make sense to have cross-UK collaboration – but any deals must be negotiated and agreed in line with the values and priorities of the Scotland Parliament representing the people of Scotland.
“If the Scottish Government’s amendments to the Withdrawal Bill fail we could see the erosion of progress made in Scotland on subjects like GMOs. The Scottish Government used its devolved EU opt out on GMOs to protect Scotland’s international brand.
“The Scottish Government have committed to consulting on a Good Food Nation Bill – we have an opportunity to be a European leader on a fair food system and the ambition to be a world leader in green farming. Losing powers to Westminster could undermine this vision.”
ENDS
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Contact:
Elli Kontorravdis, Policy & Campaigns Manager
elli@nourishscotland.org.uk
0131 285 1795, 07432 601324
Nourish Scotland
Nourish Scotland is a food justice NGO advocating for a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system. We are calling for a cross-cutting and rights-based approach in the forthcoming Good Food Nation Bill.