Richard Lochhead in negotiations with Defra – Animal Health budgets could be devolved to Scotland from April next year.
During a meeting with the Defra Ministerial team earlier today, Richard Lochhead agreed that both administrations would continue to work together to develop plans which could result in the Scottish Government taking control of the Animal Health budget from April 2011.
Some progress was also made towards ensuring that Scotland’s case is more clearly represented in Europe with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment stressing the greater significance agriculture and maritime issues have on the Scottish economy in comparison to other UK administrations.
Mr Lochhead said:
“These were very constructive first meetings with the UK Defra team during which they gained a clear understanding of the importance of the European decision making process to Scottish communities.
“I am confident that further progress will be made in securing a stronger voice in Europe as this new relationship matures.
“We have agreed to continue discussions on the devolution of the animal health budget with a view to devolving control of that budget in the next financial year. This is something I have fought for and this is a positive move which will be warmly welcomed by agricultural stakeholders.”
The Cabinet Secretary will work closely with the Defra team to put together a detailed proposal before final decisions are made.
My top 3 votes went to Greens, SNP and Labour for a progressive left alliance, because that's where I am ideologically. Independence didn't even come into it. It's a shame that the new Edinburgh council couldn't see that that is what the people of Edinburgh voted for too. https://twitter.com/agcolehamilton/status/1530105021450407937
Your man Alex here, saying the quiet part loud about constitutional politics being the reason behind supporting a Labour uberminority alongside the Conservatives. https://twitter.com/agcolehamilton/status/1530105021450407937
2x upsides for Labour: unbridled joy at getting one over the SNP; and SNP Cllrs gut sick at losing out to Tory/Lab deals. Downside? The ease with which they’ve ditched their ‘no deals’ oath will further harden the alienation of ‘soft’ Labour voters. A pivotal moment.
PRESS RELEASEFor immediate releaseSNP WELCOMES PROGRESSIVE COUNCIL TALKS TO TACKLE COST-OF-LIVING CRISISFollowing the local council election results, the leader of the Dumfries and Galloway Council SNP Group, Cllr Stephen Thompson, has welcomed moves to form a progressive alliance to tackle the Tory Cost-of-Living crisis. As part of ongoing discussions, SNP councillors in Dumfries & Galloway have offered to work with other elected members across the political spectrum to find common ground. This includes the offer to form a cross-party Cost-of-Living crisis task force.Cllr Thompson commented:"I am encouraged that discussions are underway, particularly with Labour and Independent councillor colleagues. We have a proven track record for delivery over the last 5 years and the extraordinary challenges we faced. We are keen to encourage more dialogue with all parties that share our progressive agenda.“The Tory-made Cost-of-Living crisis is affecting people all across the region and our front-line services will be vital in supporting our communities. People want to be assured that their Council is putting their needs first. We believe this can best be achieved by working together.Cllr Katie Hagmann, SNP Group Deputy Leader added:“Our SNP Council Group is proposing innovations that includes Labour and Independent group priorities. The aim is to work together to help mitigate the impacts which will have a devastating effect across the region.“We are committed to delivering on our local manifesto. The offer of ongoing dialogue extends to other groups and parties where we share a progressive agenda.”In conclusion, Cllr Thompson said:“We need a comprehensive and practical local response to the Cost-of-Living crisis, that puts people’s needs first.”-ENDS- ... See MoreSee Less