Carmichael: Government must protect British farmers in EU negotiations

MP for Orkney and Shetland, Alistair Carmichael,  has urged the UK Government to preserve existing livestock standards after Britain leaves the European Union.

Mr Carmichael’s comments came as he sponsored a parliamentary motion on British Farming welfare standards yesterday, Monday. The motion calls for the government to reassure British farmers that maintaining EU standards of animal health and welfare is a priority in the negotiations. 

Mr Carmichael welcomed the motion as a first step, in a process of protecting crucial sectors of the British economy from being damaged.

He said: “This represents a good opportunity for cross-party working in the best interests of one of this country’s cornerstone industries.

“The Prime Minister says she wants other parties to become more involved in discussions about Brexit. This is her chance to see there is a need to reassure farmers and crofters that any future trade deals will not compromise on the quality and welfare of imported produce.”