News
MP Welcomes Further Scottish Government Aid for Pig Sector - ‘Stark Contrast to Westminster'
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government that they are to extend the Pig Producers’ Hardship Scheme and has contrasted this positive response to industry and MSP requests with the ‘Peppa Pig’ comedy act from the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister, when challenged on the BBC’s ‘Andrew Marr Show’ on the crisis in the pig industry and shortage of abattoir workers leading to a cull of healthy pigs famously shrugged-off the question, seemingly unconcerned. More recently, while addressing the CBI Conference, the Prime Minister preferred to speak about Peppa Pig rather than the importance of the pig industry to the country’s food security.
In contrast, the Scottish Government responded to concerns raised by industry representatives and Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin and introduced the Pig Producers’ Hardship Scheme. Now, following further representations from Gilliam Martin and others, the Scottish Government has agreed to extend the scheme.
Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said:
“If ever a demonstration was needed about which government has the interests of our rural communities at heart then this provides a very stark contrast indeed.
“While Boris Johnson cracks jokes about Peppa Pig and hides from Parliamentary scrutiny over how many times he broke his own Covid rules, the Scottish Government gets on with the day job, shows it listens to the needs of rural Scotland, and responds in a workmanlike fashion.
“Even Conservative MPs at Westminster when questioning their own Ministerial colleagues in a Select Committee cannot get a commitment to take action on behalf of the pig processors who simply want to be able to employ workers who will help keep the country supplied with food.
“I congratulate Gillian Martin on helping to achieve the extension to the scheme, which I know will be welcomed by the industry.”
Back to All News