motorsport

It's a pity that the site doesn't show the DEFRA legislation as it stands so that potential petitioners can make an informed decision on the petition and not simply sign a "blank sheet". Is this DEFRA discouragement simply there to enable the urban ramblers to have quiet countryside to wander around in, or is this not discouragement at all but tied in with the rules for qualifying for farm payments/set-aside which are actually dictated from somewhere other than Whitehall? The whole countryside thing is a complete mess, not least because the current administration (unfortunately re-elected last week by only getting the approval vote of one in six of the electorate) is an urban administration and makes a pigs ear (a rural term) of anything that they touch in the countryside.

Good one - I almost ranted. Steve

From the MSA website: "MSA tackles DEFRA threat to UK motor sport

The Motor Sports Association has vowed to fight all the way to Brussels to safeguard the future of nearly 50 percent of its sanctioned motor sport events after the government decided to stop subsidies to farmers who allow part of their land to be used, even temporarily, for any form of motor sport. The MSA now needs information urgently from clubs who will be affected. Questionnaire attached.

The MSA has joined forces with the governing body of motor cycle racing (ACU) and other affected parties to challenge the Government`s decision, channelling its efforts through the Land Access & Recreation Association (LARA) of which the MSA is a founding member and major funder.

The Single Payment Scheme (SPS) replaces the Common Agricultural Policy and now pays farmers for the land they own, not what they produce. The European Directive on agricultural subsidies does not prohibit motor sports on land eligible for SPS. However, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has taken the decision, without consultation, to stop these payments to UK landowners if agricultural land is used, even temporarily, for motor sport.

Activities that will be particularly impacted are autograss, autocross, sporting trials, production car trials, 4x4 events and some rallies.

"We believe the current guidance from DEFRA to landowners is incorrect, is inconsistent with EU policy and fundamentally threatens the future of motor sport in this country. The MSA is a founding member and substantial funder of LARA and it is entirely appropriate that the concerted response of all interested parties to this threat is channelled through LARA. We hope to have a successful conclusion to our urgent dialogue with DEFRA, but should the need arise we are prepared to pursue this issue further," said Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association."

Well that clears that up. Thanks.