Farming faux pas
THE impartiality of the Civil Service is an established principle. It also explains why publication of so many official reports was suspended during the election; officials must not be placed in a position where their observations, or criticisms, could potentially "influence" the outcome.
Yet, while this is accepted, there, nevertheless, needs to be an understanding that some decisions cannot be delayed – such as details of the latest round of farm subsidy payments. Farmers across Europe were given details on April 30, but Defra officials ruled that this would not be possible in the UK until a new government is formed. The consequence is that the country's farmers, much maligned by New Labour, cannot plan for the year ahead. But cynics will also argue, and with justification, that this delay can only mean bad news for agriculture.
Whatever the complexion of the next government, one thing is certain: Britain's farmers must be treated with far more respect and understanding.