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 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.
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