Highland MSP Maree Todd hits out over US tariffs
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Highlands and Islands MSP Maree Todd has joined SNP colleagues in voting to condemn the recent imposition of US tariffs on a range of Scottish goods.
The tariffs will adversely impact goods produced in the Highlands and Islands such as whisky, shortbread and woollen and cashmere products.
Ms Todd said these tariffs “disproportionately” affected Scottish produce and smaller producers in the Highlands and Islands would be hit hardest.
The Scottish Government has warned that a no-deal Brexit could cause an economic shock which would tip the Scottish economy into recession, with the Confederation of British Industry estimating that it could cost Scotland £14 billion a year by 2034.
Ms Todd said that the escalating “trade war” with the US showed that any form of Brexit would be hugely detrimental to the Scottish economy.
“The imposition of these tariffs by Donald Trump has caused a great deal of disruption and uncertainty for Highlands and Islands businesses," she said. "Whisky distilleries such as Glenmorangie and Tomatin are nothing short of iconic.
“Our local produce is the subject of international envy and admiration. It is pivotal to the prosperity of our local economy.
“It beggars belief that the Tories want to cosy up with Trump for a post-Brexit trade deal when he has shown he can’t be trusted.
“We must escape Brexit so that Scotland is not dragged into a race-to-the-bottom trade deal between Trump and an increasingly desperate Tory administration – cut adrift from our strongest voice on the international stage.
“This is not the future I want for Scotland.”
Meanwhile, Jamie Stone has given his backing to a Scotch Whisky Association campaign called Support Scotch. The body is asking candidates standing in next month's general election to sign up to five commitments that will boost the whisky industry, its workforce and communities that depend on it.
Mr Stone, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross and Scottish affairs spokesperson, said: “I am delighted to sign up to the Scotch Whisky Association’s Support Scotch campaign and back its five-point manifesto.
“Whisky is a key Scottish industry, and in the Highlands we have a proud tradition of producing excellent scotch.
“Not only does our whisky attract visitors to the north from all over the world, it also provides vital jobs and supports communities.”
The Scotch Whisky Association's five commitments are:
- Reform of UK excise duty structures and fair tax for Scotch
- Government-funded promotion campaign for Scotch Whisky in the United States
- Provide effective infrastructure for business growth
- Support action on sustainability, including increasing funding of low-carbon projects through growth deals
- Work in partnership to reduce alcohol misuse
