EVESHAM’S MP Sir Peter Luff has slammed a new European Commission advert as an ‘outrageous waste of money’.
The advert is being shown in cinemas and showcases the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), an EU grant system which supports farmers and agriculture across Europe.
But an irate Sir Peter launched a scathing attack on the film and said it was ‘propaganda that should be canned’
“It was a bizarrely bucolic film that appeared to suggest the CAP was behind all the successes of British and European farming and horticulture. I’m not sure that’s a widely shared view.” he said.
“At the last election I pledged to work for further reform of the CAP, to make sure it reflects the importance we all attach to the environment, helps build food security and doesn’t undermine the fight against global poverty.
“That’s why I supported my party’s pledge to work for “the dismantling of market-distorting subsidies at a pace that allows time for British farmers and producers in developing countries to adapt.”
“None of that is helped by wasting hundreds of thousands of Euros advertising the CAP in British cinemas.”
Sir Peter raised the issued in the House of Commons with Farming Minister George Eustice MP and was informed it was not the Government’s policy to communicate information about the CAP in this way.
“This means that the European Commission is putting these adverts out in cinemas without consulting the UK.” he said.
“The Government has fought hard to get good deal for our farmers in the recent negotiations about CAP and I know farmers and the rest of us will be frustrated to see taxpayers’ money being spent like this.
“The European Commission justify the spending on this advert by saying that they have reduced spending in other areas.
“Frankly if they could save the money I would rather have had a bigger rebate for the UK.” he added.
