South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies has warned the Welsh Government’s decision to impose restrictions on livestock movements in Wales will prove devastating for the Vale farming industry, labelling it a “completely disproportionate response”.
The restrictions have been put in place to prevent the spread of the bluetongue virus. Farmers’ ability to move sheep, cattle and goats from England into Wales will be limited.
Mr Davies said the move was disproportionate and will prove ineffective, since the virus is spread by midges, not livestock to livestock.
He described suggestions that insects would respect the border between England and Wales as “absurd”.
Mr Davies said it was borne out of a separatist desire to take a different approach to England.
Farming leaders had called for a single England-Wales approach to be implemented.
Mr Davies said:
“This is devastating news. Yet again, separatism will hit the agricultural industry in the Vale and across Wales. The Livestock Auctioneers Association are right to say it’s catastrophic.
“Senedd ministers’ response is disproportionate and unnecessary.
“This disease is spread by midges, not livestock to livestock. It’s ludicrous to suggest insects will respect the border between England and Wales.
“Welsh farmers were right to request a UK-wide approach. Typically, Senedd ministers ignored them. They don’t understand our industry.
“To Senedd ministers, taking a different approach to England is more important than the practical outcomes of a policy. It’s the classic separatist response.”
ENDS
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