Concern over importation checks delay

The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands Mairi Gougeon has written to Lord Frost CMG expressing concern at the UK Government’s decision to alter and delay further importing stages of the Border Operating Model.

In the letter, Ms Gougeon highlights the UK Government’s lack of consultation with the devolved nations, giving Scottish Ministers no involvement in something that has material impact on Scotland and its food and drink industry.

Ms Gougeon said the UK Government’s approach to EU exit had resulted in problems across Scotland’s economy and, in particular, for food and drink and rural businesses.

She has called for meaningful engagement on the introduction of customs and controls to protect animal, plant or public health from the importation of goods from the EU to the UK, and warned that Scottish Ministers may use devolved powers to protect the interests of Scottish agriculture, food and people.

The full text of the letter.