BORDERS MP David Mundell has responded to criticism of the UK Government’s proposed trade deal with Australia.

Last week NFU Scotland’s president, Martin Kennedy, tweeted about his disbelief regarding a proposed ‘tariff-free’ deal between the UK and Australia which could see an increase in beef imports.

His tweet read: “So it looks like Boris has decided NOT to take the advice of UK farmers, environmentalists and our consumers who are interested in animal welfare standards and food production systems.

“We’re told there will be protections in place but won’t tell us what they are. Unbelievable.”

Mr Kennedy’s tweet garnered 700 ‘likes’ and 93 comments.

Responding to Mr Kennedy’s comments, Mr Mundell, of the Conservatives, told the Peeblesshire News: “I am fully aware of the serious concerns raised by the NFUS and farmers across Scotland in relation to any potential trade deal with Australia.”

NFU Scotland chief executive Scott Walker warned the Financial Times that “a tenfold increase, particularly of more expensive cuts, could have a significant impact on high-end Scottish beef farmers who farmed small herds rather than operate massive Australian-style feedlots”.

Mr Mundell, who represents Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, said: “The UK Government have made it absolutely clear that any trade deal will not undercut our farmers or compromise our world-leading standards, including keeping the ban on hormone beef.

“We must do everything we can to protect our iconic Scottish products and that is why I will closely scrutinise any potential agreement, which has yet to be signed off between the UK and Australia and what it will ultimately mean for our farmers.

“Alongside my colleagues in the Scottish Conservatives and the UK Government, I will continue to consult closely with the NFUS and address their concerns to ensure they will benefit from greater opportunities going forward.”