Stone doubts whether UK government will stand firm over 'inferior products'

North MP Jamie Stone says he remains unconvinced that the UK government will stand firm in blocking "inferior products" such as chlorinated chicken from the United States.

Mr Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, spoke in a debate in the House of Commons about the future of the UK's food standards.

The debate was granted after the UK government did a U-turn on its pledge to keep the chlorinated chicken out of British supermarkets under pressure from American negotiators in post-Brexit trade talks.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Stone said: "I think that I should declare an interest by pointing out that my younger brother is a maker of Highland cheese. Highland crofters and farmers do very well out of the fact that the image of Highland food is that it is of the highest standard.

"None of us wants to see standards lowered – I think that we in this chamber speak with one voice in that regard. However, the general public are very discerning when they shop, and they are becoming ever more discerning as time goes by.

"I think that the more we push and advertise the sheer quality of Scottish, Highland and Northern Irish food products, the better we will do."

Speaking later, Mr Stone said: "I remain unconvinced that the Conservative government is going to be really firm about blocking inferior products such as Donald Trump’s chlorinated chicken.

"But I remain completely convinced that the Highlands has the best food to offer. I really do hope we continue buying local goods – high-quality Highland products we trust and love."

• Crisis has underlined importance of local produce, says Gail Ross

• Highland MSP warns of 'cheap, substandard' food imports
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