Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Livestock 2026-07-15

Wednesday 15 July 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister states farming is a devolved matter and criticizes SNP for failing to support Scotland's farmers.
  • High rejection rates in SNP's future farming investment scheme are cited as evidence of bureaucratic failures.
  • Minister calls for SNP Scottish Government to recognize the importance of rural industries and their contributions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jerome Mayhew Con
Scotland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Discussions about the decline in Scotland's beef breeding herd and overall livestock numbers, including dairy cattle, pigs, and chickens.

Question

What recent discussions has the Minister had with relevant stakeholders on Scottish livestock numbers? The beef breeding herd is down 373,000 over a decade, indicating industry distress. In her initial response, she mentioned food security as national security; however, why do she and the Secretary of State allow the SNP to use devolution to shield from responsibility?

Answer from Kirsty McNeill

It is a question of accountability, not shielding. Farming is devolved and the SNP has failed to support Scotland's farmers; high rejection rates in their future farming investment scheme illustrate this failure.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific commitments or actions addressing declining livestock numbers despite acknowledging food security as a national priority.

How: Accountability Instead Of Action

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Q2 Jerome Mayhew Con
Scotland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Discussion about the decline in livestock numbers and the SNP's role in devolved agricultural matters.

Question

The beef breeding herd has declined significantly over a decade, with dairy cattle, pigs, and chickens also decreasing. In response to food security being national security, why do the Minister and Secretary of State allow the SNP to avoid responsibility through devolution?

Answer from Kirsty McNeill

Farming is a devolved matter and the SNP has failed to support Scotland's farmers; high rejection rates in their future farming investment scheme indicate overly bureaucratic practices.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address specific steps or commitments regarding declining livestock numbers despite recognizing food security as a national priority.

How: Accountability Instead Of Action

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Q3 Pamela Nash Lab Airdrie and Shotts
Scotland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Increased funding provided to the Scottish Government by a UK Labour Government; the SNP's role in supporting Scotland's rural industries.

Question

By ending Tory austerity, this UK Labour Government has increased settlement to the Scottish Government by nearly £12 billion. Does the Minister agree it is time for Scotland's rural industries to be properly supported and recognised?

Answer from Kirsty McNeill

Farms and farmers are vital as food providers, countryside guardians, and economic contributors; it is time for the SNP Scottish Government to recognise this.

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific commitments or actions regarding supporting Scotland's rural industries despite recognizing their importance.

How: Vague Recognition Without Action

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