Lib Dems call for cross Party meeting on sheep tagging

5.29.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 23rd Jun 2009

Orkney MSP and Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesman, Liam McArthur, has called for an urgent cross-party meeting with Richard Lochhead to discuss the next steps for supporting Scottish sheep farmers.

The UK Government suggested changes to EU plans that would mean every sheep needs to be electronically tagged.

The proposals were rejected by the EU at a Council meeting of agricultural ministers yesterday.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

“The outcome of yesterday’s meeting was disappointing, but it must not be a roadblock to our campaign.

“Scotland’s sheep farmers cannot wait for the Parliament’s summer holiday.

“I have written to the Rural Affairs Secretary asking for an urgent meeting with all parties before the Parliament’s summer recess. He needs to update MSPs about what action he took in Luxembourg to stand up for Scottish farmers and, more importantly, what he intends to do over the coming weeks to keep up the pressure.

“So far the campaign against the EU’s sheep tagging plans has transcended party politics. This must continue.”