McArthur welcomes move towards a review of sheep EID

5.51.10pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 24th Jun 2010

Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has welcomed Liberal Democrat Scottish Secretary Michael Moore’s comments that the UK Government will press the European Commission for a review of the implementation of sheep identification regulations.

Commenting Mr McArthur said:

“The introduction of sheep EID in Scotland has proved hugely controversial with little account taken of the way in which sheep farming in Scotland operates. The new rules have saddled farmers and crofters with additional costs for little or no benefit.

“I have led debates in the Scottish Parliament calling for Scottish Ministers to do more to investigate the impact of these unnecessary new regulations.

“I am delighted therefore that the Liberal Democrat Scottish Secretary Michael Moore has confirmed that the UK Government is to press the European Commission for a review of these rules. I hope that this will pave the way for a more common sense approach in the future.”