A tractor demonstration is taking place in Westminster in London today (October 12) ahead of a vote on the controversial Agriculture Bill by MPs.
The group Save British Farming (SBF) is holding a second demonstration after a previous tractor demonstration took place back on July 8.
It is feared that the proposed amendment to the bill will flood the market with cheaper imported foods that do not meet the animal welfare standards set out for UK products.
SBF made the following statement on Twitter:
We took tractors to Westminster in July and we will be there again today.
“Regular tractor rallies are positive action and the public and media enjoy the spectacle.”
No compromises on the standards of food imports
Scottish MPs are also being urged not to compromise on the standards of food imports and scrutiny of future trade deals or threaten the security of Scotland’s farmers and crofters.
Leading farming, health, environmental and social justice organisations have called on Parliamentarians to support amendments to the UK government’s controversial Agriculture Bill when voting on Monday, October 12.
The amendments would put the UK’s world-leading food and production standards on the face of the Bill, ensuring they are upheld in the future.
In a letter to all Scottish MPs, workers’ and farmers’ unions, leading academics, charities and local interest groups have urged Parliamentarians to use their votes to support domestic standards of food production and stronger scrutiny of future trade agreements.
The letter warns that failure to support such protections will weaken the long-term security of Scotland’s farmers and food and drink industry, as the door could be opened to imports produced to a lower standard of what is legally required of food producers in the UK – potentially undermining the quality and safety of the food we eat.
A new survey by consumer organisation Which? shows that 96% of people living in Scotland believe it is important that existing standards are maintained. The survey also shows 84% of Scots are concerned that the UK government has not ruled out lifting bans on chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef.
