MP attacks Scots farmers chief

22 September 1998

MP attacks Scots farmers’ chief

FARMING leader George Lyon has come under fire for using his role as president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland to conduct a campaign against the Government.

East Lothian Labour MP John Robertson said he was misleading farmers over the Governments intentions to alleviate the current crisis. Mr Lyons is the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for the Scottish parliament for Argyle and Bute.

Mr Robertson said he had a “vested interest” in portraying the Government in as negative a light as possible. He said: “I find it sad that Mr Lyon is using his position as a political platform rather than serving the interests of farmers during this difficult period.

Mr Lyon said the MP was “out of touch”. “His accusations are simply untrue.”

• The Herald 22/09/98 page 26