MORAY MP DOUGLAS ROSS has welcomed calls for the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to review ‘convergence uplift’.

Michael Gove is being asked to review the scheme under which the UK qualified for additional funds for farmers, known as the convergence uplift, from the European Union brought about by the nature of the farming industry in Scotland.

A letter sent to Mr Gove with the support of all Scottish Conservative MPs has urged him to appoint an independent figure to consider the issue and report back with speedy recommendations.

Such an independent review would consider ways to reflect that in future arrangements for farming support – something that would provide a boost in Moray and throughout Scotland.

Mr Ross said: “Coming from a farming background and representing a very rural constituency like Moray I have seen that Scotland’s farmers have been let down and have not received the benefit of fair funding for the country’s particular needs.

“The Scottish Government has been grandstanding, rather than offering constructive suggestions, which has resulted in Scottish farmers not receiving a single penny in support. Put simply, the Scottish Government’s approach has not worked.

“Instead, we as Scottish Conservative MPs want to work on finding a solution and I’m pleased that we were able to put forward this suggestion which will hopefully result in a positive outcome for our local farmers.”