Scottish government must not follow UK governments shameful stance over EID - Lyon (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale Liberal Democrats)

Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Scottish government must not follow UK governments shameful stance over EID - Lyon

July 17, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by George Lyon - Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland

George Lyon, newly elected Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has written to Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead to secure a meeting between the Scottish Government, MEPs and industry representatives to agree a plan of action to continue the fight against the compulsory electronic identification of sheep.

Mr Lyon, who has just been invited to join the influential Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, makes his call after the UK Government's announcement that it had agreed with other member states not to seek any further concessions over the proposals.

Commenting, Mr Lyon said:

"Despite the view of the UK Government, the fight against EID is far from over.

"I want to ensure that we secure the best possible deal for Scotland. The Cabinet Secretary must call an urgent meeting so that a Scottish action plan can be agreed.

"Even the revised proposals are unworkable and threaten a further exodus of sheep from Scotland's hill and upland areas.

"It is vital that we work together to keep up pressure on the Commission. I am looking for a commitment from the Scottish Government that it will not follow the UK Government's shameful stance."