Michael Gove to face questions from MSPs on uncertainty surrounding Brexit

Michael Gove will face questions over the uncertainty surrounding the effect of Brexit on agriculture and the environment during an appearance in front of MSPs from two different Scottish Parliament committees.

With the environment and rural economy portfolios closely linked to European legislation, the Environment Secretary will next week take questions via video link from both the environment and rural economy committees on agriculture, environment and fisheries policies and frameworks.

Scottish ministers have repeatedly stressed concerns over the effect of Brexit on devolved powers, with Roseanna Cunningham previously warning the UK Government’s EU (Withdrawal) Bill “directly threatened” Scotland’s ambitions on protecting the natural environment.

Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee convener, Graeme Dey MSP, said: “There are many unknowns and unanswered questions on life after Brexit and whether this will leave gaps in laws that protect our environment, such as tackling air pollution, protecting animal welfare and stopping the overwhelming number of plastics harming the marine environment.

“Our meeting with Michael Gove is an important opportunity to find out what we may lose when we leave the EU, and what solutions will be put in place to ensure environmental principles that underpin policy, legislation and environmental protections are not weakened.”

MSPs across both committees are expected to call for clarity on future funding for agriculture, fisheries and the environment after the UK leaves the EU.  

Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee convener Edward Mountain said: “We welcome the opportunity to hear from Michael Gove at the committee and we look forward to exploring the issues and solutions around agriculture and fisheries.

“These industries are of huge significance to the rural economy in Scotland and it is essential that we receive clarity on how Brexit will impact them, and to ensure Scotland’s standards and systems are maintained and protected after the UK leaves the EU. It is also essential to be clear on the systems of payments in Scotland post Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in order to support our farmers across the country.”