Lyon: Inevitable implementation of EID must not be seen as surrender in fight for concessions

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 28th Aug 2009

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has appealed for the fight to win further concessions not to be forgotten in the rush to implement compulsory tagging of sheep in Scotland.

After attending a NFU meeting in Stirling, Mr Lyon again voiced farmers and crofters concerns that the EID scheme is unworkable, contradictory and irrelevant in terms of disease control. Fears remain that it could lead to a further nail in the coffin of the Scottish sheep industry.

Commenting, George Lyon MEP said:

"By edging towards implementation of EID, the Scottish Government must make it clear to UK and EU counterparts that this does not signal surrender in the fight for further concessions.

"The campaign for further concession must continue. Working towards inevitable implementation must not be seen as running up a white flag.

"With rumours that the current Commissioner may not be returned and with a General Election not far off the horizon, two political opportunities exist to get the matter looked at once again in Europe.

"There is no doubt that the Labour Government has been a major stumbling block in attempts to get a better deal for Scottish farmers. On that basis, a new Government in Westminster can not come soon enough.

"I will continue to work with industry representatives to keep up the pressure in Brussels."