Whiteford Seeks Support From Supermarkets For Scottish Egg Producers

SNP MP for Banff & Buchan, Dr Eilidh Whiteford, has called on the UK’s biggest supermarkets to support local egg producers by only stocking eggs and egg products that comply with a new European Council directive, when it comes into force on January 1st 2012.

The Directive sets down minimum standards for improving the welfare of laying hens and prohibits the use of conventional ‘battery’ cages.

Dr Whiteford highlighted that although egg producers in the UK had invested some £400 million in implementing the requirements of the Directive, not all egg producers across the European Union would meet the deadline, raising concerns that ‘illegal’ eggs and egg products would find their way into the UK market.

Speaking today on a visit to local egg producer Robert Hay’s farm at Luncarty, Turriff, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

Dr Eilidh Whiteford with Robert Hay
(photo by permission of Duncan Brown)

“I am concerned that when the Directive comes into force at the beginning of next year, some 80 million hens across the European Union will continue to be kept in ‘illegal’ conventional cages. This represents millions of inferior eggs and egg products which cannot be allowed to make their way into the UK market.”

“This is a golden opportunity for supermarkets to show their commitment to a sustainable and ethical supply chain, by supporting Scottish egg producers who have complied with the law and invested in improved animal welfare.

I have sought assurances from Tesco, ASDA and Morrison’s that they will only stock eggs and products made with eggs that comply with the new EU Directive. Anything less would undermine the investment made by Scottish farmers in improving animal welfare standards; and consumer confidence in the quality of the products they are buying.”

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MP Visits Turriff Egg Producer To Highlight Call To Supermarkets

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford will visit Turriff egg producer Robert Hay on Friday 8 July (tomorrow) at 11.45am to highlight her call to the UK’s biggest supermarkets to support the Scottish egg industry by only stocking eggs and egg products that comply with a new European Council directive, when it comes into force on January 1st 2012.

The Directive sets down minimum standards for improving the welfare of laying hens and prohibits the use of conventional ‘battery’ cages.

Dr Whiteford is highlighting that although egg producers in the UK had invested some £400 million in implementing the requirements of the Directive, not all egg producers across the European Union would meet the deadline, raising concerns that ‘illegal’ eggs and egg products would find their way into the UK market.

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Banffshire MP Welcomes South Korean Whisky Trade Boost

“TRADE PACT IS A BOOST FOR BANFFSHIRE” - WHITEFORD

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has welcomed the signing of a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and South Korea that is expected to see the whisky industry as one of the biggest beneficiaries.

The agreement will reduce taxation on Scotch whisky making its way into the Asian country and removes a range of onerous warehousing and labelling requirements that added cost to the process.

The Agreement should help the already significant South Korean market for whisky grow and expand.

The most popular single malt brands in South Korea are Macallan and Glenfiddich – both significant producers from Banffshire.

Commenting, Eilidh said:

“This agreement between the EU and South Korea is of real significance for the whisky industry with the European Trade Commissioner stating it could even double exports from the current level of over 150 million pounds.

“In addition to the opening up of much bigger sales opportunities the agreement also includes important brand protection measures put in place to prevent forgery and fakes from undermining the brand quality that is of crucial importance to one of Scotland’s most recognisable products.

“This is particularly important to Banffshire as the home of the Scotch whisky industry.”

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SNP Comment On Cameron's Welfare Leak

CAMERON MUST DITCH POLICY

SNP Spokesperson for Work and Pensions, Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP, has today [Sunday] reacted with concern over reports in the Observer newspaper that UK Government welfare reforms risk making 40,000 families homeless.

The newspaper received a leaked letter sent to the Prime Minister from the office of communities secretary Eric Pickles.

Dr Whiteford said:

“For a long time we have warned about the series of cuts contained within the Welfare Reform Bill and the damaging effect it will have on the most vulnerable in Scottish society.

“These revelations today show that the leadership of the Conservative party are well aware of the severe damage their policies will do but choose to ignore.

“David Cameron has no option now but to ditch these absurd plans and instead install real measures which will improve the lives of thousands across the country and improve our society.

“In Scotland we have seen encouraging signs with the SNP Government introducing a range of measures to help people in Scotland through the tough times including a council tax freeze and the phasing out of prescription charges but the Tories are proceeding with a Bill which could set our progress back.”

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