THE UK Government has been accused of treating Scotland’s farmers as “expendable” as the trade deal with Australia comes into effect.

A SCOTTISH farmers union has criticised the UK Government for kicking “the can down the road” on implementing an improved system of border controls for meat and other products entering the country.

SNP MSP Jim Fairlie will lead a Members’ Business Debate today on the threat a tariff-free trade deal with countries like Australia will pose to Scotland’s farmers and agriculture sector.