Robert Sturdy vows to keep Soils Directive buried
4 September 2008
ROBERT STURDY VOWS TO KEEP SOILS DIRECTIVE BURIED
Plans announced today by the French Presidency to restart negotiations on the Soils Directive have been condemned by Euro MP Robert Sturdy as being a waste of time and money, providing no environmental benefits.
He believes it would increase the bureaucratic burden faced by farmers, and that no further legislation was needed as there were already sufficient safeguards to maintain soil standards.
The Council of Ministers scrapped the Soil Directive in November 2007 following the recommendation of the European Parliament. But the French Presidency has today announced plans to restart negotiations with the Council of Ministers on this controversial issue – much to Mr Sturdy’s anger.
“It is totally pointless and will provide no further benefits to anyone. The elected members refused to support this unnecessary and burdensome piece of legislation and I will fight together with my Conservative colleagues, and as a member of both the Environment and Agriculture Committee, against any new proposals.
“Regulations and laws protecting soil are already in place in Britain and across the EU, as is evident within the terms of the Single Farm Payment. There is simply no need for further legislation on this matter. It would provide no environmental benefits and will simply wrap the UK farming industry in further red tape.
“I can’t understand why the French Presidency could not accept the decision that had been made, instead of trying to impose their views on the rest of us. I thought this directive had been scrapped. I shall do all I can to ensure it remains dead and buried!”
