Following reports that losses to Scotch whisky exports have
reached £500m following US tariffs, the SNP has condemned the
Tory government for yet another broken promise.
The UK government’s failure to settle the issue forms part of a
growing list of broken promises made to Scotland and adds to the
devastation it’s decisions have caused for Scotland’s key
industries – including fishing and agriculture.
Commenting, Argyll and Bute SNP MP and chair of Westminster’s
APPG on Scotch Whisky Brendan O’ Hara said:
“The losses to Scotch Whisky exports are eye-watering and are
simply unsustainable for this vitally important industry.
"For over a year the Tories assured us that finding a solution to
this crisis was their top priority. Their strategy of pandering
to the disgraced Trump administration, however, entirely failed
to deliver any resolution to this deeply damaging dispute,
proving that Tories promises to Scotch Whisky industry ring just
as hollow as the promises they made to Scotland’s fishing and
agriculture sectors.
“Scotch whisky plays a crucial role in the success of our global
food and drinks sector and our economy but has been dealt a
triple whammy with the economic impacts of the tariffs, Brexit
and the pandemic.
"If the Tory government is serious about protecting our vital
industries then it will take every step it can to oppose and end
these punitive U.S-imposed tariffs."
