Brexit assurances bring crofters and farmers no relief

Assurances given by UK ministers that ‘all is well’ with Brexit planning have cut little ice with farmers and crofters in Scotland’s northern isles, where many rely heavily on sheep and lamb sales for their living.

Speaking after Defra Secretary of State George Eustice and cabinet minister Michael Gove spoke via a video link with farmers and crofters in Shetland and Orkney, the Scottish Crofters Federation (SCF) said that for many on the islands any failure of the UK government to reach an agreement with the EU would be “nothing short of catastrophic.”

Eleanor Arthur, a director with the SCF, said that while the ministers admitted that the sheep sector was among the most exposed to a no-deal with the EU, they simply “didn’t get it” and failed to realise the effects such an outcome would have.

“They say that all is well but the evidence simply is not there. Assurances are one thing but we need a workable plan and we are not getting one. It does not inspire confidence in the UK government to manage the whole Brexit process.”

She said that despite the politicians’ claims that, in the event of no deal, mechanisms for supporting the sheep industry would be put in place, there was no indication that such an approach had been thought through:

“What is the budget and when would it kick in? Surely it is an admission of failure that there needs to be mechanisms to mitigate the effects of Brexit?”

Russell Smith, SCF’s lead on agriculture policy added:

“Routine assurances on tariffs and welfare standards were given, as expected, but the reality is that multiple deadlines on negotiations have been missed, the opportunities to enshrine standards in law were not taken and the Internal Market bill threatens Scottish decision-making.

“It doesn’t look like all is well, with less than five weeks to go to the end of the transition period. Then we have a pandemic crisis, which crofters are coping with, but with Brexit disruption piled on top, it is not surprising crofters are feeling a bit cynical and very worried,” said Smith.

“We simply cannot allow imports with lower food standards to enter the market and see our standards drop - UK food standards have to be maintained! Shetland has spent years building up our High Health Status and recognition in Europe that we have a premium product. This must be protected.”

Alistair Carmichael, the local MP who organised the meeting said that too many issues still lacked clarity:

“Exporters of salmon and other perishable goods are understandably concerned about the risks of bottlenecks in transport. Quotas and tariffs on exports to Europe would be enormously harmful as well if we do not secure a deal.

He said that the importance of farming, crofting and aquaculture to island communities was an issue which came up again and again:

“In the isles if opportunities disappear people cannot just commute to the next town over – they move away for good,” he warned.