‘Farmers sold short by Westminster,’ blasts Hazzard

Sinn Féin MLA Chris Hazzard has said that the British Government has sold the farmers of the North short in negotiations with Europe.

Speaking to Newry Times, Hazzard stated, “The British Government called for a reduction in the EU budget of the Rural Development Budget and this has resulted in a 22% reduction in monetary terms for the year ahead.

“In stark contrast the Irish Government argued for and achieved an increase which in real terms means that per capita in the North people will receive €36 per head while in the South people will receive €420 per head.

“SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie, who sits on the Agriculture Committee in Westminster, should now explain to the rural community why she acquiesced with the British Government in allowing them to reduce the budget as she previous stated she was in Westminster to prevent cuts.

Hazzard added, “The deficit will mean hardship for rural communities right across the North and result in uneven rural development right across the island.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Oct 4 2013. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry