Dumfries and Galloway MP and Scottish Secretary Alister Jack has been accused of “betraying” farmers by voting against changes to the UK Agriculture Bill.
He was among Tory MPs who rejected a change to the legislation which would mean food brought into the UK would have had to meet the same quality and welfare standards that domestic farmers adhere to.
The change had received a large majority of support in the House of Lords ahead of international trade negotiations but Mr Jack claimed the amendment would have put “Scottish farmers’ futures at risk”.
However, NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick, who farms at Barnbackle near Lochfoot, said: “Farmers, crofters and growers in Scotland must be enabled by the current and future governments to reach a thriving export market in a manner which builds on our existing, world-leading standards of production.
“This ambition goes hand-in-glove with the UK Government’s own manifesto commitment not to compromise the UK’s standards of animal welfare and environmental protection.
“For this reason, NFU Scotland and the vast majority of our members are bitterly disappointed that the amendment was not supported.”
Mr Jack also came in for criticism from South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth, who said he had “betrayed” farmers .
Mr Smyth said: “This amendment would have helped protect the Scottish food and farming sector from sub-standard imports and it is completely shameful that it was voted down.
“But people can be in no doubt that our commitment to the highest environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards is unwavering.”
