Scottish Tory Claims National Farmers' Union of Scotland "Wrong, Wrong, Wrong" on Internal Market Fears

North-east Regional MSP Peter Chapman has accused Scotland’s leading farming organisation of being “wrong, wrong, wrong” on concerns over plans for the UK’s internal market.

Mr Chapman stunned fellow MSPs in the Scottish Parliament chamber as he made clear he disagreed with the views of the NFUS (National Farmers Union of Scotland).

Earlier this week, NFUS President Andrew McCornick warned the proposals "limit the devolved administrations" ability to act if any standards were lowered and give the UK Government a final say in areas of devolved policy, such as agriculture, the environment or animal health and welfare."

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson said the outburst was “a glimpse into how little respect Tories have for Scottish farmers.”

When questioned over whether he agreed with the views of the NFUS, Peter Chapman MSP said:

“I do disagree with the NFUS and I normally respect their views but they’ve got it wrong, wrong, wrong on this occasion. So I’m sorry they have.”

The former Rural Economy spokesperson for the Scottish Tories – who was forced to quit in disgrace after a lobbying row – had served as NFUS Vice President from 1998-2000.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“The comments made in the chamber by Peter Chapman are not at all a surprise.

“Once again, they offer a glimpse into how little respect Tories have for Scottish farmers.

“The NFUS is rightly concerned about what UK Government internal market policy is going to do to devolution because their plans are simply wide off the mark.

“The Tories’ plans will significantly reduce Scotland’s world-class food standards and trample over the hard-won powers of devolution.

“Peter Chapman has shown he is not committed to doing the best for farmers in the area he represents or for Scotland more widely.

“He would rather do Boris Johnson’s bidding than stand-up for farmers.”