SNP South of Scotland MSP Michael Russell has expressed hsi anger at the UK Government’s failure to reach an agreement on devolving animal health budgets by April 1 2010, in line with the Scudamore Review recommendations.
The current situation sees the Scottish Government hold responsibility for policies relating to animal health but not have control over the budgets associated with those policies. The Scottish Government had been working with Defra round the clock and had believed that significant progress had been made. However, Defra have now indicated that the deadline for this will not be met.
Commenting Mr. Russell said:
“The situation where the Scottish Government controls policy for animal health but not the level of finances devoted to such policies is as ludicrous as it is unacceptable. The Scottish livestock sector relies on its outstanding reputation for the quality of what it produces, and it is entirely right that control over such budgets should be devolved to the Scottish Government.
“With greater willingness on the part of Defra to engage with this issue, the entire thing could have been settled well in advance of the new financial year. As it is, the foot dragging of the UK Government has set progress back by a year and raises some serious questions about what they are playing at.
“If the UK Government cuts the budget for animal health before it is devolved, the amount that the Scottish Government eventually receives to protect the health of Scottish livestock could be a fraction of what is needed. The UK Government must come clean over their intentions and promise that they will not cut the animal health budget before it is devolved.
“The implications of a reduced budget for protecting the health of Scottish livestock could be catastrophic for the sector. Farmers will be understandably alarmed, but I know that the SNP Government will fight hard to gain the assurances they need and protect the Scottish livestock sector.”
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