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Top Liberal Democrat Euro Candidate Visits Orkney
August 18, 2008 10:51 AM
The top Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for next year's elections to the European Parliament, George Lyon, visited Orkney last week to hear at first hand the issues concerning Orkney fishermen and farmers. Along with Orkney MSP, Liam McArthur, George Lyon met representatives of both these industries and he also visited EMEC to see for himself Orkney's world leading marine renewable energy testing station.
Commenting on the outcome of his Orkney trip, George Lyon said, "My visit to Orkney has given me the opportunity to hear at first hand the concerns of local fishermen and farmers. In my discussions with Alan Coghill of Orkney Fisherman's Association he highlighted the devastating effect that the high cost of fuel is having on local fisherman. He also pointed out that white fish stocks appeared to be recovering and therefore the EU needed to take account of that in setting quotas in December."
George Lyon continued, "At Dounby Show, I enjoyed catching up with many old acquaintances in the Orkney farming community. I spoke at length to NFUS Vice President, Stuart Wood about the concerns of local farmers at EU proposals for reducing animal transport times to a maximum of 8 hours. He told me that this proposal has caused widespread alarm and if it goes ahead it could cripple agriculture in the islands. As a livestock farmer from the Island of Bute I am very well aware of the serious impact this could have on the islands and I am committed to doing everything possible to head off this serious threat to our industry."
"I was also very impressed by my visit to EMEC. Clearly Orkney is playing a lead role in the harnessing of the renewable power to be found in waves and tidal currents. EMEC's work is not just important to Scotland - it is vital to the EU and further afield as well."
Commenting on George Lyon's visit, Liam McArthur MSP said, "George is one of the strongest candidates in next year's election of Scotland's MEPs. With his experience as a former MSP for Argyll and Bute, he understands the issues that matter to rural and island areas. And as a former Scottish Minister, he understands how the different levels of government - in Scotland, the UK and the EU - can best work together. And, of course, with his island farming and NFUS background, he understands the concerns of farmers in Orkney. I believe that he will make an excellent MEP, speaking up for Scotland in Brussels and Strasbourg, which is why his election campaign has my full backing."
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