Fighting for the Future of Farming Families

Today during my keynote speech at the Scottish Liberal Democrat's conference in Inverness, I highlighted that the Liberal Democrats “will fight for the future of farming families”.

In my speech, I said:

“Conference, I am so humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve the communities of North East Fife in Westminster for a second term.

“Because whilst the Conservatives wrecked – and the SNP continue to wreck – our economy, our NHS and our education system, the new Labour government has missed every opportunity to stand up for our communities and alleviate the pressures that so many find themselves under.  

“We want everyone to have access to a GP, to get an appointment when you need one. And for GPs to be supported to stay working, instead of burning out.

“But the Labour government has added to their strain by increasing National Insurance contributions and taxing jobs. Burying their heads in the sand and voting down the Liberal Democrat amendment to exempt dentists, pharmacies, GPs and social care providers from the tax. Having recently met with a social care leader, and know how much they care, and how difficult they are finding things.

“I want fresh food on the table for my family, and for all families. And I want the farmers, the custodians, of our agriculture and natural environment in North East Fife, to earn a fair living. And for their children to earn a fair living, if they choose to take on the risks and hard work that farming brings. Just this week, Scottish Government data tells us that average farm incomes fell by 51% in the last year.

“But the Labour Government has turned its back on farming families. The reforms to APR will be ruinous, catching all but the smallest of farms and preventing them from being passed down to future generations.

“I’ve met with constituents, passionate about the animals, their arable crops, their land. Whose families have been doing the same thing for four, five, six generations and more. Who know that the Labour changes will rip their lands apart, when the tax bill falls due. For whom the future feels impossible.

“And as we fight for the future of farming families, I also want to see any young person who sees their future in agriculture to be able to achieve that goal. Which is why, with Willie, I have been fighting to keep open the Animal Care Unit at the SRUC Elmwood campus.

“Because our Scottish further and higher education programmes are crumbling, after years of underfunding by an incompetent SNP Government.

“Conference, more than ever, it is now important to be a strong local champion. That is what I aspire to be for North East Fife.”