Inverness MSP to give evidence on implication of Brexit for Scottish rural economy

The implication of Brexit for the rural economy in Scotland will be explored by a Holyrood committee today.

MSPs will question the Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for rural economy Fergus Ewing.

Mr Ewing, who represents Inverness and Nairn, will be questioned by the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, which is looking into impact of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU for Scottish agriculture, fisheries, and the wider food and drink industry.

MSPs took evidence last week on the potential impact of Brexit on the rural economy from the UK Government’s secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, George Eustice MP last week, having previously heard from his predecessor, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP on May 15 2019.

However, stakeholders in the agriculture, fisheries and food and drink sectors have expressed concerns regarding the uncertainty around the approaching end of the implementation period on December 31 2020, the type of agreement that will be reached with the EU, and the risk of no agreement.

Among the issues likely to be raised are the ongoing Brexit negotiations and efforts to ensure Scottish interests are represented, as well as the steps being taken to ensure that the necessary physical and digital infrastructure is in place ahead of the new trading arrangements that will come into force on 1 January 2021.

MSPs are also likely to seek an update from Mr Ewing on what progress the Scottish Government has been making to implement the recommendations from the committee’s 2018 salmon inquiry report.

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