Post-Brexit Policy Statement presented at Scottish Rural Parliament

Participants in the Scottish Rural Parliament 2018 have presented Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations Michael Russell with their Post-Brexit Policy Statement.

The third Scottish Rural Parliament was held in Stranraer from 14 to 16 November and saw around 400 people from across rural Scotland and beyond take part. The policy statement presented to Mr Russell highlights a fear that their post-Brexit needs will be unmet by governments.

The policy statement has been informed by a series of community consultation events held across Scotland over the past three months, and was debated and agreed at the Scottish Rural Parliament. The policy statement and research findings will now be passed to the Scottish and UK governments for consideration. 

Emma Cooper, Chief Executive of Scottish Rural Action said:

"The message coming loud and clear from every part of rural Scotland is of concern and fear that rural communities and businesses will be left behind. Rural development is embedded in the culture of the EU.  Rural Scotland is deeply concerned that Brexit could have catastrophic consequences for communities, and the small businesses that sustain our rural communities. Participants in the Rural Parliament have agreed 10 policy asks.  Unless we have an unequivocal commitment to prioritising rural development, there is a real risk of irreversible damage being done to rural areas in the years ahead."

The policy statement was presented to Mr Russell by Chair of Scottish Rural Action Amanda Burgauer on behalf of the Rural Parliament participants. 

Mr Russell said:

"The Scottish Government shares the Rural Parliament’s concerns. But we are resolute in our determination to work with Scottish Rural Action and everyone living and working in rural Scotland to do all we can to mitigate the inevitable disruption that Brexit will create for our rural economy. Our rural communities have shown time and time again how resilient they are but now more than ever these communities need reassurances over their future.

"The proposed deal by the UK Government offers little for rural Scotland. It does not meet the frequently stated Scottish Government requirement of Single Market and Customs Union membership for the whole of the UK, which fails for Scotland. And more importantly takes away the four freedoms and in particularly freedom of movement which is essential for Scotland.
 
"People are fundamental to the economic well-being of rural and remote Scotland – that is why we have made providing stability and certainty in rural support, while also working to deliver an economic action plan that meets the needs of the rural economy key priorities."

Visit the Scottish Rural Parliament website to find out more.