IN AN extraordinary move, the National Sheep Association has publicly rebuked Conservative MPs for 'manipulative' use of quotes regarding a possible trade deal with the United States.

Last week, UK trade secretary Liz Truss and Scots MP John Lamont seized upon one section of a press statement by NSA chief executive Phil Stocker, and reproduced a quote apparently backing a UK-US Free Trade Agreement on the grounds that it would benefit sheep farmers in all parts of Great Britain.

Clarifying its position on US trade, the NSA this week said it was ‘disappointed’ by the misuse of its statements.

Mr Stocker said: “When putting a press statement out, we do so in good faith that the press and other sources wishing to reference it will only use the quote within the context it is given. We have seen too many examples where MPs, Government sources and the press, have picked up on just one sentence within a press statement we released on May 5 this year, and we are sufficiently concerned that we feel we need to set the record straight.

"This sentence, that the NSA ‘believes there are valuable opportunities for our sheep industry in getting access for lamb and mutton into the US’, is being taken out of context and ignores other key messages within the same press release," he stressed.

“It is a result of either laziness, or manipulative intentions. The title of our press statement couldn’t have been clearer, that the US could offer opportunities – but only if our standards of food safety, environmental protection, and animal welfare are protected. The press statement went on to say that for our industry, ongoing free market access to the EU is the priority.”

The NSA said that it welcomed its voice being heard, but said it was 'essential' that comments be taken in the context in which they were written.

Mr Stocker continued: “I am highly concerned that we have politicians at loggerheads over the future direction of UK trade and economic policies, and that they are choosing to manipulate what are clear statements and positions to further their objectives. Some MPs also appear keen to create divisions between farming organisations on these subjects where, in reality, divisions don’t exist, and of course division and controversy are appealing to many journalists.”

NSA Scottish region chairman Jen Craig added: "I am incredibly disappointed that we have had to release a press release today to clarify any misunderstanding that has arisen from communications received from MPs in response to the questions raised regarding voting in relation to amendments to the Agriculture Bill.

"NSA comments were taken completely out of context and appear to have been used in order to give a false impression of the views of NSA to support the voting results," said Ms Craig. "This is unacceptable and I hope the release today will go some way to resolving this issue and ensure that our views are used in the context in which they are intended and are not used for political gain. If there are any questions surrounding this subject, please do not hesitate to get in touch with myself or one of the NSA Scottish Region office bearers."

On his website, Mr Lamont, the Scottish Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, praised Ms Truss for her approach to negotiations with the United States, and highlighted how any new trade deal would open new markets for farmers and food producers.

"Haggis has been banned in the US since 1971 – lamb and beef are also banned meaning that farmers cannot sell their products in US markets," wrote Mr Lamont. "The CEO of the National Sheep Association has noted that opportunities for lamb exports to the US ‘would benefit sheep farmers in all parts of Great Britain’. Similarly, British cheese currently faces 17% tariffs when exporting to the US which could be reduced under an FTA.

“Trade with our closest ally is beneficial not only for businesses but also consumers who will get cheaper prices. Many Scottish products are sought after in America and a FTA would significantly build on this. Opening up more markets for our farmers and food producers by removing bans in place for lamb and beef would bring a boost to our rural economy."
A Department for International Trade spokesperson said: "DIT engages extensively with stakeholders, ensuring their views are inputted into the work of the department.
 “We have entered constructive negotiations with the US and those discussions are ongoing. We have been very clear since the outset that we will not compromise on our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards."