Meeting of the Parliament 13 September 2018
I absolutely agree that we should consult the public, but I do not think that that is a reason to delay introducing the bill.
Scotland has one of the worst obesity records among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, with two-thirds of adults in Scotland classed as overweight, stark health inequalities and, in many cases, a lack of access to good-quality food. That is why the legislation is so important. Although the legislation might not necessarily deliver the change, it is the key to unlocking or enabling change.
In the time remaining, I will mention geographical indicators, because we recognise the serious concerns about geographical indicators, particularly in the context of the UK’s exit from the European Union. I do not dispute for a moment their vital importance to the sector, to prevent cheap international imitations and to preserve the history of products and their heritage, from Stornoway black pudding to Arbroath smokies. I am encouraged that the UK Government has stated clearly in its document, “The Future Relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union”, that
“The UK will be establishing its own GI scheme after exit ... and will provide a clear and simple set of rules on GIs, and continuous protection for UK GIs in the UK.”
I also draw Parliament’s attention to the evidence of the Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, who told a committee of this Parliament last week:
“Our intention is that the existing arrangements with the EU will remain exactly as they are, that we would have such arrangements in any future trade deals and that we will make arrangements in our laws in Scotland and the United Kingdom to ensure that protection.”—[Official Report, Finance and Constitution Committee, 6 September 2018; c 22.]
I know that the cabinet secretary is meeting David Mundell next week, and I hope that that is an item for them to discuss.
I acknowledge entirely the concern about GIs, and that is why we have mentioned it at the start of our amendment, because the continuation of a GI scheme is not just beneficial for businesses in Scotland, but important for businesses across the United Kingdom.
In conclusion, we think that there is a cross-party consensus to see major change in the way that we think of food and the way that people have access to it. There is disappointment that the SNP Government has downgraded the good food nation bill in its programme for government and we believe that, if the SNP really wants to drive forward change, it will introduce a good food nation bill over the next 12 months, and we will work with the Government to ensure that it delivers for the people of Scotland.
I move amendment S5M-13876.1, to leave out from “is concerned” to end and insert:
“recognises the importance of geographical indicators to the Scottish food and drink sector; believes that any replacement scheme for geographical indicators must ensure at least an equivalent level of protection once the UK leaves the EU; acknowledges the innovative approach set out in the Good Food Nation policy document; believes that this needs to be underpinned by legislation to ensure that Scotland’s food policy maintains coherence and visibility over the long term within a framework of common principles, and consequently, regrets the omission of a Good Food Nation Bill from this year’s Programme for Government, and calls on the Scottish Government to introduce such a Bill within the next 12 months.”
14:54Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.