
Jamie Greene: Now that Brexit has finally happened, Scotland’s ambitions must stretch beyond Europe
Instead of listening to what Scotland can’t do without Brussels, I want our government to start talking about the opportunities on our doorstep.
Instead of listening to what Scotland can’t do without Brussels, I want our government to start talking about the opportunities on our doorstep.
The UK market for food and groceries is a massive prize for any country to be allowed greater access to it. We should not sell ourselves short.
Improved crop protection can be achieved in a safe way to improve the environment and food security. The UK must not be left behind.
They can seem remote from the everyday priorities of people here at home. But at its heart, trade is a powerful way to deliver what people really care about.
Debate on the Agriculture Bill gives them the chance to call for more effective measures than those which independent assessments find wanting.
It is deeply dangerous for discussions around this sector to not only exclude half of the population by gender, but ignore wider demographic change.
The crux of the trade negotiations is to what degree we’re prepared to do this – in return for a high-quality agreement on trade in services, data and investment.
Trade negotiations and agreements are inherently political.
I, for one, see this new Commission as further evidence that the Government will take expert advice that benefits farmers and consumers.
New opportunities for our exporters, and the foundations for a powerful international partnership with the clout to take on Brussels or Beijing.
The transition is much-needed for sustainability. But it must begin with a manageable reduction in the payments. Or we could be plunged into crisis.
There is precedent for using tariffs to reward those who meet higher standards, and major American producers would be on board.
Groups of MPs are able to beat their jungle drums into a frenzy. And the powers-that-be have limited capacity to quieten them.
We have a tremendous opportunity to lead the response, and we must not cede any ground to a newly energised anti-environment lobby.
People cannot simply be viewed as consumers or producers – there are other dimensions to policy, including the stewardship of the countryside.