BERWICKSHIRE MP Calum Kerr has called on his fellow Borders MP – and Secretary of State for Scotland – David Mundell, to intervene in the ongoing struggle to get Scottish farmers their proper allocation of EU convergence cash.

While the UK as a whole has benefited from around €230 million from the CAP convergence scheme, which was intended to equalise area-based farm payments across Europe, the UK government has yet to adjust the amount of money that gets passed on to Scotland accordingly.

Mr Kerr pointed out that the UK had only qualified for the scheme because of Scotland’s historically low per hectare rates under Pillar 1 of the CAP – and as such, that €230 million rightfully belonged to Scottish farmers.

Speaking during Scottish Questions in the House of Commons, Mr Kerr said: “What we are seeking is confirmation that the Secretary of State for Scotland backs Scottish farmers and will get this promised money delivered.”

Mr Mundell did not answer and opted instead to have questions on convergence fielded by the Minister for Farming George Eustice.

Mr Kerr retorted: “It is fantastic that we have the Minister with responsibility for farming here, but all we have heard so far is no detail and 'just warm words', to quote the Secretary of State. Can we now have the detail put in place and give Scottish farmers what they deserve?”

In a letter sent to Mr Mundell last month, Mr Kerr wrote: “We need to put a detailed plan in place so that Scottish farmers know when the current, evidently unjust, situation will be remedied.

“I am prepared to take this matter forward in a spirit of bi-partisanship and fair-play, in order to secure the allocation of funds that ought to have been distributed to the Scottish farming and food production sector some time ago.

“If the Government were to renege on its commitment to have this issue resolved by the end of the year that would demonstrate a significant breach of trust at a time when it ought to be doing everything it can to offer stability and reassurance to farmers,”he added.