Meeting of the Parliament 07 November 2024
I apologise—I have taken a few interventions already.
Rural and island communities deserve a Scottish Government debate that focuses on their actual priorities, rather than the arguments of old, but they did not get that from the cabinet secretary, and I suspect that they will not get that from the SNP back benchers in the debate.
It feels wrong that this type of negativity comes to the chamber when morale is already low over the family farming tax. We have fantastic farmers, resilient rural communities, super sheep, cuddly coos, happy harvests, fabulous food, stunning scenery, top-class tourism and proud people. The SNP can blame Brexit all it wants but, as the new Scottish Conservative spokesman for farming, rural affairs and fishing, I will spend all my time building up the industry, fighting for its future and making sure that the Scottish Conservatives’ policy is focused on working with it to build a new, long-term and prosperous economic future.
I move amendment S6M-15253.2, to leave out from “the ongoing” to end and insert:
“that those working in Scotland’s diverse agricultural sector are the custodians of the countryside, and that they are vital for the economy and ensuring that food security is protected; believes that many of the issues facing rural and island communities stem back many years as a result of what it believes to be the failures of several Scottish National Party administrations; understands that such issues include the lack of affordable homes, poor local infrastructure and transport options, and issues with accessing health and social services; recognises the need for common sense solutions to support Scotland’s rural and island communities; expresses concern at the announcements from the UK Government about changes to agricultural property relief and the integration of agricultural funding into Scotland’s block grant, and calls on the Scottish Government to prioritise the real issues facing those in rural and island communities as opposed to dealing in grievance politics.”
Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.