3 August 2017
Our ref: BC/lr
Rt. Hon David Mundell MP Secretary of State for Scotland Scotland Office Whitehall London SW1A 2AU
Dear Secretary of State,
Common Agricultural Payments to Farmers in the Stirling Constituency
I understand that you visited my constituency this week in relation to the Stirling City Region Deal negotiations that the Scottish Government, UK Government, and Stirling Council are currently involved in. Whilst the business plan and prospects for this deal are promising and exciting in terms of the future local economy for the Stirling area, you will be aware that much of my constituency consists of rural and farming communities – many of whom are seriously concerned about the impact Brexit will have on the local agricultural industry.
You will be aware that EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments benefit Scottish farmers to the tune of around £630 million per year. I understand that the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed the UK Government’s commitment to ensuring that this funding is maintained until the end of this current 5-year parliament.
Many farmers in my constituency are seriously concerned that this does not provide enough of a guarantee in terms of supporting their business once the UK leaves the EU.
Can the UK Government assure my constituents and those who live and work in rural communities will see the current level of EU agricultural funding continued beyond Brexit and that no farmer in my constituency will lose out as a result of leaving the European Union?
Bruce Crawford (SNP) MSP for Stirling constituency Office 16, STEP, Stirling, FK7 7RP Telephone 01786 471899 Email: [email protected]
Stirling Constituency covers: Aberfoyle, Arnprior, Ardeonaig, Balfron, Balquhidder,Bannockburn, Blanefield, Brig O’Turk, Buchlyvie, Balmaha, Callander, Cambusbarron, Cowie, Crianlarich, Croftamie, Deanston, Doune, Drymen, Fallin, Fintry, Gargunnock, Gartmore, Inversnaid, Killearn, Killin, Kinlochard, Kippen, Lochearnhead, Milton of Buchanan, Plean, Port of Menteith, Rowardennan, Stirling, Strathblane, Strathyre, Stronachlachar, Thornhill, Throsk, Tyndrum.
I look forward to your comments on this important matter.
Yours sincerely,
Bruce Crawford MSP
Bruce Crawford (SNP) MSP for Stirling constituency Office 16, STEP, Stirling, FK7 7RP Telephone 01786 471899 Email: [email protected]
Stirling Constituency covers: Aberfoyle, Arnprior, Ardeonaig, Balfron, Balquhidder,Bannockburn, Blanefield, Brig O’Turk, Buchlyvie, Balmaha, Callander, Cambusbarron, Cowie, Crianlarich, Croftamie, Deanston, Doune, Drymen, Fallin, Fintry, Gargunnock, Gartmore, Inversnaid, Killearn, Killin, Kinlochard, Kippen, Lochearnhead, Milton of Buchanan, Plean, Port of Menteith, Rowardennan, Stirling, Strathblane, Strathyre, Stronachlachar, Thornhill, Throsk, Tyndrum.