Jim Fairlie
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“The Scottish Government recognises the challenges that certain plant and animal species pose to agricultural businesses and is supporting farmers to manage those impacts.”
“Will the Government also commit to implementing a more pragmatic licence application scheme for the removal of species where the impact on business and other conservation species or habitats is clear? Jim Fairlie: As Amanda Lindsay points out, there is a management scheme.”
“The Scottish Government remains committed to that work. Indeed, in September, in the Scottish Parliament, I hosted and chaired a constructive round-table discussion on alternative farrowing systems with representatives from the Scottish pig industry, animal welfare organisations and academia.”
“Therefore, we will be working closely with the UK Government and other devolved Administrations on the delivery of the programme. This is a draft Official Report and is subject to correction between publication and archiving, which will take place no later than 35 working days after the date of the meeting.”
“I welcome Joe Fagan to the chamber. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting agriculture, food production and our food and drink sectors in a fair manner. In March, we published our first rural support plan, outlining support for the next five years and providing the clarity, certainty and opportunity to plan.”
“At column 3, paragraph 3— Original text— I point out to the member that we are doing this in concert with the UK Government. There is a joint consultation ongoing as we speak, and I have confirmed with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ministers our agreement to do that joint consultation.”
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“While still producing food, they are restoring habitats, reducing emissions and supporting biodiversity. From integrating peatland restoration into farming operations to managing deer sustainably, their leadership is making a real difference on the ground. I believe that, with the continuation of that positive dialogue, we can help them to go further and faster—and with the confidence of knowing that this SNP Government is behind them.”
“The better biodiversity data project is strengthening our natural environment monitoring infrastructure and supporting evidence- led decision making. Support for wild venison processing, including grants for chillers and larders, is helping communities to benefit from sustainable deer management. Deer management should not be seen as the removal of a pest species; rather, it should be seen as the harnessing of a resource that is iconic to Scotland and that has multiple health, environmental and economic benefits to Scotland plc. In closing the debate, I stress again that the Government cannot solve the nature crisis on its own. We need collective action. We should all recognise the vital role that is played by our land managers, our farmers, our foresters and our landowners across Scotland. Many are already doing fantastic work.”
“We already have an ambitious biodiversity strategy and delivery plan, and more than 100 actions are under way. [Interruption.] Those include £250 million of funding for peatland restoration, which, for 10 years, has helped to lock in carbon and restore vital habitats. That restoration has increasingly been integrated with established land management practices, supporting organisations such as Scottish Water and helping to create a safer, more productive landscape for livestock, which, in turn, strengthens farm businesses. Woodland creation grants are supporting landowners to expand native forests and improve biodiversity, integrating trees into working farm practices. The pilot deer management incentive schemes in central Scotland and south Loch Ness are helping to reduce grazing pressure and support habitat recovery.”
“As I said, there is an imperative on all of us to make the bill work. Our politics is polarised right now and the bill represents a test of whether we can find consensus, to ensure that our nation thrives with nature at its heart. The Government is committed to working in partnership with our key stakeholders so that the bill ensures that those stakeholders have the tools and support that they need to protect and restore nature in a way that works for our rural land managers and communities; that builds on their stewardship; and that recognises their role as custodians of our iconic landscapes and species. To do nothing is not an option. The challenge is one on which we must take affirmative action. We must secure our natural environment. I urge members to support the bill.”
“I am pleased with the way in which some members have approached the bill today so that we can get that kind of consensus. Sarah Boyack: Given the raft of comments from third sector organisations, experts and the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, it would be useful for members to hear what actual changes the Government is committed to making at stage 2, in addition to what the cabinet secretary said, and for us to get copies of those changes as soon as possible so that there can be proper parliamentary scrutiny. Jim Fairlie: I take the point on board. We have listened carefully to what members and stakeholders have said. The cabinet secretary has already agreed to meet members about those issues. I hope that that gives Ms Boyack confidence that we are trying to engage with members.”
“The Rural Affairs and Islands Committee did not hear one voice that supported part 2. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Minister, I can give you the time back. Jim Fairlie: My initial response to that is that whatever I say in this chamber is my choice. It has absolutely nothing to do with the member, who is trying to criticise me or tell me what I should or should not be saying. What I will say is that climate change is a reality. There are more extreme weather events, with seasonal temperatures and species all impacted by climate change. For that reason, there is an imperative on us all to work together, to be cohesive and to build consensus. We may not agree about the details of the journey that we are on but, undoubtedly, we are on that journey together.”
“I hope that everyone in the chamber agrees that we want to ensure that we can pass that and so much more on to the next generation and the generation after that. Finlay Carson: I appreciate the minister giving way. While it is very nice that the first three and a half minutes of your debate contribution have focused on— The Deputy Presiding Officer: Speak through the chair, please. Finlay Carson: The minister has taken three and a half minutes of his speaking time to set out his involvement in the natural environment. However, some serious issues have been raised as part of the stage 1 debate, including concerns about part 2 of the bill. If the Government has engaged with stakeholders, why does part 2 need significant amendment or to be removed to keep stakeholders happy?”
“As I reminisce, I ask myself the question: would that same garden, with that 150 square metres of grass, be able to hold such an abundance of life today? “Abundance” is the word that springs to mind. How many gardens have got that abundance now? I have been blessed in my life to have spent so much of it living and working with nature. The rhythm of so much of my life when I was a farmer has been in sync with the ebb and flow of the seasons. I have had immense joy living in places where curlews, peewits, oystercatchers and snipe were my alarm call, where the hum and buzz of nature was my backdrop, where I grabbed a catnap in the fields— Finlay Carson: Will the minister take an intervention? Jim Fairlie: —and where my office was a tapestry of beauty that is the envy of the world. I will come back to Mr Carson.”
“There was the high-pitched darting of the hoverflies, the lazy drone of bumblebees, the industrious buzz of honey bees and the incessant annoyance of flies and bluebottles. There were greenfinches, sparrows, blackbirds and starlings coming in to mooch around the garden and to rake about in the seed that I would leave out for my pigeons. There were swallows, house martins and swifts screeching overhead and blue tits flitting around, feeding their chicks in the nest box that I had pegged on the outside of my pigeon loft. There was an abundance of grass, flowers and gardens with clover, and there were so many honey bees buzzing around, gathering pollen. All that was in a 10m by 15m square of grass in a housing estate back garden. It was a microcosm of a nature sanctuary in Letham, where I was brought up. It was great to grow up there.”
“I have spent many hours carefully considering what we are trying to do with the bill. What are we trying to achieve? The reality is that this is a hugely complex subject, and it requires careful consideration, working in partnership, to ensure that we avoid any unintended consequences. As a youngster, I lived on a housing estate and I had a loft full of pigeons in the back garden. I had a dog in the house and a rabbit hutch in the back, too. I have been immersed in nature and living things for as long as I can remember. I remember the days in the garden after the old bird racing season was over in June and before the young bird season began later in the year. I would sit in the sun, watching my birds in the silence, taking in the hum and buzz of nature all around me.”
“I thank colleagues from across the chamber for their engagement in and contributions to today’s debate. We realise that there is work to do, and we are committed to doing it. As members will know, there are three Government ministers working on the bill, which I hope demonstrates the importance that the Government attaches to protecting and restoring our natural environment. Cross-portfolio working is necessary to achieve effective legislation that works for nature and, importantly, is developed in partnership with key stakeholders—our rural land managers, our ENGOs, our farmers and our crofters. I hope that we can build consensus right across the chamber in recognition of the fact that nature is all of our responsibility and that our natural environment is for all of us to protect.”
“Although the Scottish Conservatives will support the principles of the bill today, we have some reservations about how it might progress. Our concern is that, without proper partnership, and respect for rural livelihoods and food security, the bill risks being a source of tension rather than collaboration. 14:54”
“I will quickly highlight the letter that the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity sent this morning to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, on grouse moor licensing schemes, which were agreed only recently under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024. The argument is that they are not working as intended. My understanding is that there is absolutely no evidence to support that at this point, and amendments such as those proposed risk potentially further broadening what is already a very broad bill and will require significant debate at stage 2. Although I recognise the minister’s right to do that, I hope that he is prepared to facilitate as much consultation and discussion as he can on that issue.”
“I ask the member whether the urgency to have all that delivered before the stage 1 debate, when we still have stages 2 and 3 to go, is a bigger imperative for him than getting the bill right. Tim Eagle: It is not—I accept that. It is not about not getting it right; it is about having all the information at hand early on, so that we can be sure that we are having the right debates and discussions as early in the bill process as possible. The same goes for the rural support plan, which—FYI—we are still waiting for. The stage 1 report warned that the Government risks eroding trust in the deer management sector. I urge the Government to work to protect that.”
“Let us look at that and try to put our best foot forward. There is still time to move on it. Jim Fairlie: As I said, the Government is not responsible for transport at the games; Glasgow 2026 Ltd has that responsibility and it will be up to that organisation, in close consultation with Transport Scotland, to decide how it will take the plan forward.”
“Last week, the first batch of half a million tickets for the games went on sale, with thousands of fans from Scotland and across the world securing the opportunity to witness unforgettable sporting moments over 11 days next summer. With fans travelling from venue to venue to see the world’s top athletes, it is right that Glasgow should put its best foot forward. We will have 3,000 volunteers, 3,000 athletes and, potentially, half a million spectators. We provided free public transport for the 2014 games and, in 2021, for the 26th United Nations climate change conference of the parties— COP26. Surely, then, the minister should, in tandem with the transport providers, explore all options to introduce temporary free public transport and, indeed, integrate the active travel opportunity of the e-bikes that have been introduced to Glasgow.”
“The Scottish Government regularly engages with Transport Scotland, which is a key partner on the transport working group that is chaired by the organising company for the event, Glasgow 2026 Ltd. Glasgow 2026 Ltd is responsible for the event and the transport plan, and it is clear that free public transport will not be provided. Active travel will be the prioritised mode of transport for spectators and client groups. The main method for passenger transport will be chartered coaches, public transport buses, subway and existing rail routes. Paul Sweeney: I had the opportunity to meet the chief executive of Glasgow 2026 Ltd last week and it was made clear that further development of the transport plan would be welcome. It is rather disappointing that the Government is not minded to consider free public transport.”
“2026 Commonwealth Games (Public Transport) 6.”
“Jim Fairlie: The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and its partners understand that wildfire response is a unique challenge in firefighting. It requires close collaboration with landowners, specialist companies such as the ones that the member mentioned, and non-governmental organisations. Although the SFRS must retain command and control of firefighting operations, we recognise the importance of strengthening support for the SFRS and the land management sector. Our goal is to build a Scotland wildfires resilience network. To achieve that, we are actively exploring all opportunities, including engaging with organisations, individuals and businesses that are already operating in Scotland to help deliver the outcomes of the wildfire summit and enhance Scotland’s resilience in the fact of the growing threat of wildfires.”
“The Scottish Government will provide information on the outcomes and key actions in due course. That will utilise feedback gathered at the recent wildfire summit, alongside the debriefs hosted by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other public agencies. It is a priority for the Scottish Government to improve our preparedness for wildfires in the future, with a key focus on prevention. We will shortly host an MSP round-table event to allow MSPs to feed back any information that is not already captured. Clare Adamson: Will the minister outline how the Scottish Government will work with specialist Scottish businesses, including those in my constituency, such as Fire Fogging Systems, which provides expertise in fire systems, to ensure that it plays a clear and active role in delivering the outcomes of the wildfire summit?”
“The CTA in England has a deep-dive research project that will look at evaluating and future-proofing volunteer car schemes. I look forward to seeing its findings and will consider their applicability to Scotland. Moray Firth FLOW-Park 4.”
“Will the minister outline how the Government can work with local authorities and communities to support the development of such services? Jim Fairlie: I absolutely take on board the point that Evelyn Tweed makes about the value of those voluntary organisations. In addition to the support that the Scottish Government provides for community transport that I mentioned in my response to the previous question, local authorities receive funding to support community transport services through the local government finance settlement. That, in turn, allows local authorities to work with communities to support the development of such services. The Scottish Government also funds the Community Transport Association in Scotland, which offers a lot of support and guidance to the sector.”
“Scottish ministers recognise the important role that community transport services play in Scotland. We continue to support the provision of those services in rural areas through the network support grant, the local government finance settlement and funding the Community Transport Association in Scotland to support local community transport operators. Funding for the plugged-in communities fund to support the transition to zero-emission electric vehicles was substantially increased to £4 million in the 2025-26 budget, and eligibility was extended to include the purchase of zero-emission vehicles for new routes. Evelyn Tweed: Across Stirling, initiatives such as the Killin and district volunteer car scheme and the Strathard volunteer driver service are lifelines, as demand-responsive services that get people from door to door.”
“Will the member recognise that there is a crofting bill going through the Parliament as we speak? Edward Mountain: In your excitement in jumping to your feet, Mr Fairlie, you did not hear what I said—”
“Improving our transport and trade links with the European mainland is even more important and has even more resonance after the UK’s damaging exit from the EU. As I said, although the Scottish Government welcomes the recent announcement about an SPS agreement between the UK and the EU, until an agreement is finalised, it is not possible to confirm what future border control post requirements will be. Scottish Government officials continue to liaise with the sponsors, and I have asked for a meeting directly with the sponsors. First Minister’s Question Time 12:00 “A Fresh Start with Independence” 1.”
“The ferry route is a significant opportunity for the local community, the Scottish economy and our connection to Europe. How will the Government support the delivery of the ferry route in the coming months? Time is ticking away; we will lose the ferry route and the direct connection to Europe. We cannot afford to lose this opportunity, and I think that the First Minister knows that, too. Jim Fairlie: Mark Ruskell makes light of the issue of border control posts, but he should not do so, because of the job that they do in preserving Scotland’s public health and animal health. The Scottish Government remains absolutely convinced that Scotland’s future is best served by being in the EU, and we remain committed to seeking to achieve that.”
“Although the Scottish Government welcomes the recent announcement of an outline sanitary and phytosanitary agreement between the UK and the EU, until the agreement is finalised, it is impossible for the Scottish Government to provide certainty about future border control post requirements. Officials continue to discuss those matters and others with the sponsors. Mark Ruskell: The minister will be aware that, before the summer recess, the First Minister gave assurances that his Government would “welcome the ferry route” and do “everything that we can to remove any obstacles that are in the way.”—[Official Report, 5 June 2025; c 20.] Four months on, the biggest barrier remains the border control post designation. I believe that that is resolvable.”
“The Scottish Government continues to support the development of our ports and the potential for a new direct freight and passenger ferry service linking Scotland to Europe. Ministers and officials have met the sponsors on a number of occasions regarding their proposal to introduce a new ferry route between Rosyth and Dunkirk, and the Scottish Government continues to engage with the sponsors on a variety of issues. As Mark Ruskell is aware, one obstacle is the border control post requirements, which were introduced due to the United Kingdom exiting the European Union.”
“More than 83 per cent of passengers support the idea of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport implementing bus franchising across the region, which would allow for better oversight of fares, routes and timetables. What work is the Scottish Government doing to ensure that SPT has the necessary financial support to enable it to proceed with franchising? Jim Fairlie: The Scottish Government continues to work with SPT, as I said in my original answer. We have to go through a number of phases. Once the guidance is cleared, we will present it to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee. After that, it will be up to SPT to come back to us to talk about what it needs to do next.”
“We very much welcome the work that Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has undertaken to update its regional bus strategy, given the importance of the bus sector to its region. It is right that local transport authorities explore how best to use the measures in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, as our approach is to enable them to determine what is best to improve their services. Transport Scotland will continue to engage with all stakeholders, including SPT. Work on the franchising guidance is on-going. We will be sharing it with the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, along with the affected parties, prior to its finalisation and formal publication. Katy Clark: Since 2006, there has been a 44 per cent decrease in the number of bus routes across Scotland, and 190 routes have been cut in the past year alone.”
“As a result, islanders are often forced to pay full cabin price for a single berth or face sleeping in chairs or on the floor. It is akin to charging a motorcyclist for deck space for an articulated lorry. Costs are up and the value of vouchers is down. The ferries are a lifeline service and islanders deserve better. Again, I urge the minister to ensure that reintroducing the option of shared cabins is a condition of the next ferry services contract. Jim Fairlie: I hear the points that Liam McArthur makes. There are split views on what the policy should be. It is an operational matter, and the decision was taken by the operator on a health and safety basis. A number of other options can be used on that ferry service. A conclusion will be reached on those views as we go through the process. Decarbonising Homes 6.”
“I refer Liam McArthur to the response that I gave to written question S6W- 35681. I reiterate: “The detailed service requirements will be informed by a combination of stakeholder views alongside consideration of operational feasibility.” The NIFS public consultation remains open until 13 October. Pending the analysis of feedback, I note that “There are no current plans to introduce shared cabins as part of the NIFS services.”—[Written Answers, 26 March 2025; S6W-35681] Liam McArthur: For years, the shared cabin policy on northern isles NorthLink ferries allowed islanders to get a good night’s sleep on the Aberdeen route while keeping costs down. The option was removed during Covid, and NorthLink and ministers have since refused to reintroduce it.”
“For that reason, I worked with NatureScot to address the immediate dangers and issues that are being faced in the Elgin and Inverness areas, where it was clear that an area licence was required to deal with the immediate past nesting season. Outwith those areas, concerns have been expressed more broadly. Therefore, it was clear to me that there was a need for us to look nationally at the next steps. The first of those was the summit that I convened last week. The primary purpose of the meeting was to listen, learn and begin shaping a co-ordinated national approach at pace. One of the functions of being a Government minister is to use that convening power to bring people into the room, which is particularly important when we have thorny issues—”
“The issue of urban gulls resonates with many of us across the chamber. The concern has been raised repeatedly by constituents, councils and communities across Scotland. That is why, last Tuesday in Inverness, I convened the Scottish Government’s gulls summit, bringing together key stakeholders from across the country to address that growing challenge. The summit was a direct response to the increasing public concern about the impact of gull populations in our towns and cities and to the commitment that I made in the chamber, in which I said that I take those concerns seriously and am determined to act to find solutions.”
“The Scottish ministers will require land to be sold in lots, and those lots will be offered to different buyers, where ministers determine that that could make local communities more sustainable. The bill also seeks to empower communities with more opportunities to own land through the introduction of advance notice of certain sales from large landholdings of more than 1,000 hectares. There are a number of different measures in the bill, which I am quite sure will take us forward in the journey towards proper land reform.”
“ever introduced”, saying that it creates “new complexities, friction and conflict in the land market for no evident gain.” Scotland cannot afford a land reform bill that just tinkers around the edges while ignoring the harsh reality of concentrated land ownership. Rural communities are being locked out of housing and local economies, as land and property are treated as investments. Will the Government commit to ensuring that the bill will release land for genuinely affordable community-led housing and, possibly, self- builders, rather than add bureaucracy and leave local people behind? Jim Fairlie: I dispute Ash Regan’s point. The bill will, for the first time in Scotland, give ministers powers to ensure that the public interest is considered when more than 1,000 hectares of land is being sold.”
“Scotland has one of the most concentrated patterns of land ownership in the world, so the bill sets out ambitious proposals that will change how land is managed in our rural and island communities for the better. The bill will prohibit certain land sales of more than 1,000 hectares until ministers can consider the sustainability of local communities, and it will require the owners of large landholdings to engage with local communities about how they use their land. It also includes measures to give greater protection and fairness to tenant farming, making it fit for the future. Ash Regan: Former MSP Andy Wightman has called the current Land Reform (Scotland) Bill “the least ambitious ...”
“My understanding is that there is no specific exclusion of fishing activities over or near a submarine cable, but it is an offence for fishers to wilfully or negligently damage cables or pipelines. On whether there will be an independent review, there is already a cross-Government and cross- industry review looking at all the issues that Fergus Ewing has raised, which will be taken forward when the cabinet secretary returns.”
“Fergus Ewing: East-coast inshore fishermen are seeing valuable fishing grounds lost because they cannot fish within a quarter of a nautical mile over any seabed cabling that leads to offshore wind installations. In the headlong dash for offshore wind projects—some apparently with little discernible direct benefit to Scotland—fishermen are simply not getting the compensation that they deserve. The Scottish National Party stood up for our fishermen for half a century. Will the Scottish Government now stand up for them by instigating an independent review to consider how our fishermen can get a fair deal from their own Government? Jim Fairlie: I dispute the suggestion that fishermen cannot fish over cables.”
“The Scottish Government very much values the fisheries sector and recognises the need to address fishers’ concerns in relation to offshore wind development. We want a prosperous future for both sectors. In relation to fishing over cables, fishers should continue to use their expert judgment and knowledge to guide where they fish. However, I agree that it is right to explore the matter. The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands has asked officials to work with the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council’s barriers to deployment group, which brings both sectors together to consider solutions, and to report back to her.”
“In fact, the First Minister went to the White House to ensure that he was representing the Scotch Whisky Association to get the best possible deal, which should feed back into the industry. As far as funding is concerned, I reiterate that the Government has made sure that we keep direct payments in place, which is giving farmers in Scotland the security that they need. Inshore Fishing (Offshore Wind Installations) 7.”
“Meghan Gallacher: The minister will be aware that farmers growing malting barley have faced challenges this year, including a difficult harvest, falling prices, increased production costs and reduced demand from the Scotch whisky industry. Worryingly, it is anticipated that the challenges facing the industry will be long term and will affect farmers for years to come. Will the Scottish Government commit to increasing farm payments to compensate farmers for the losses that they are incurring? Will the Scottish Government liaise directly with the Scotch whisky industry to ensure that arable farmers are supported? Jim Fairlie: I take Meghan Gallacher’s points on board. We continuously engage with the Scotch Whisky Association as well as the Scottish agricultural community.”
“I am aware that Scottish arable producers face significant challenges, including volatile markets and extreme weather. That is why the Scottish Government continues to provide certainty through direct support via the basic payment scheme, as set out in our vision for agriculture, in stark contrast to current and past United Kingdom Governments. This year, the Scottish Government launched its future farming investment scheme, offering at least £14 million to accelerate change in Scottish agriculture and support the Government’s vision. With 7,500 applications received, Scotland’s farmers and crofters have shown a strong commitment to key outcomes such as emissions reduction and nature restoration.”
“As I have already stated, the Scottish Government is a member of SPARC and we continue to work with the industry to ensure that stakeholders have the information that they need to protect their businesses.”
“According to NFU Mutual, the cost of rural crime in Scotland increased by 34.9 per cent in 2022-23 and cost the Scottish economy £1.2 million last year. Around 2.7 million quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles were stolen in the past year and, last month, five were stolen in Aberdeenshire, possibly from the same outfit. What specific actions will the minister and/or his justice colleagues take in order to prevent north- east farmers from suffering from rural crime? When will those farmers see results? Jim Fairlie: I take Liam Kerr’s points on board. I accept that farm theft is a heinous crime that takes away the tools of a working farm. Farmers can do a number of things for themselves in order to protect their vehicles, such as placing blocks on the ground or using spray paint.”
“I have not spoken directly to justice ministers about rural crime, but clearly issues such as machinery and livestock theft have a hugely detrimental effect on Scotland’s rural communities, including our hard-working farmers and crofters. A wide range of rural organisations, including NFU Scotland, are represented in the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime—SPARC— alongside Police Scotland. SPARC aims to prevent, reduce and tackle rural criminal activity and, in association with local partnerships, is seen as a success story in combating rural crime. The Scottish Government is a member of SPARC and is fully supportive of its work. Liam Kerr: Farmers will be surprised and disappointed by the minister’s lack of action on rural crime.”
“Indeed, as the member is aware, an article in Farmers Guide by Aleksandra Cupriak, on 29 September, warns that the UK’s food security is at risk following the decision to remove skilled worker code 5111, taking skilled roles off the temporary shortage list, despite maintaining the code for builders. I would argue that folk who are working in the pig, poultry, dairy or processing sectors are skilled enough to keep food on our plates, so we should have a scheme that would allow us to issue visas to bring them to Scotland. Rural Crime (Support for Famers) 5.”
“Scotland urgently requires tailored migration routes, such as the rural visa pilot, to reflect our distinct needs. Labour shortages in the food and drink sector stem largely from Brexit, which led to the departure of many European Union citizens and the loss of vital skills. The UK Government’s removal of skilled worker code 5111 has worsened that situation, severely hindering the recruitment of overseas talent in sensitive sectors such as pig, poultry and dairy and making it unnecessarily difficult to fill essential roles and support industry sustainability.”
“Emma Harper: Farmers have warned that our food security is under serious threat as a result of the UK Government’s decision to scrap skilled worker code 5111, which effectively blocks farms from hiring skilled overseas workers. That leaves pig, poultry, dairy and horticultural producers struggling to fill vital jobs. In Dumfries and Galloway, more than 25 dairy farms depend on staff from the Philippines and other nations to keep operations running. Does the minister agree that that is yet another example of a UK Government that is ignorant of, and does not care about, the needs of Scotland’s farmers? Jim Fairlie: It is clear that the UK immigration system no longer meets the needs of our economy, our public services or our communities.”
“The Scottish Government has consistently urged successive United Kingdom Governments to safeguard our domestic market and ensure fair competition for producers. However, recent trade deals, especially those affecting beef, sheep and dairy, have exposed Scottish farmers to increased risk, amid rising costs and an uncertain trade environment. Meanwhile, meaningful collaboration between the Government and industry is vital to assess those trade impacts and protect domestic producers. It is, therefore, deeply concerning that the current UK Government shows only limited ministerial engagement on trade issues, despite the devolved nature of, and shared economic interests in, many aspects.”