Scottish First Minister Pressed to Engage Trump on Tariff Crisis
Scotland's political leaders are urging First Minister John Swinney to directly appeal to US President Donald Trump in a bid to avert a potentially catastrophic escalation of tariffs on Scotch whisky. The calls come amid mounting anxiety in Holyrood over the economic fallout from threatened US trade measures.
Conservative MSP Advocates for Diplomatic Outreach
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has publicly encouraged Mr Swinney to leverage what he described as the "warm relationship" established during the First Minister's White House visit last September. Mr Fraser emphasised the urgency of the situation, questioning whether Mr Swinney could "reach out to President Trump, to try to build on that warm relationship to try to get this threat removed?".
The MSP warned that additional tariffs could prove "devastating for the Scottish economy," highlighting the sector's vulnerability. This diplomatic push follows President Trump's indication that the UK could face a further 10% tariff increase, a move linked to geopolitical tensions surrounding US ambitions regarding Greenland.
Substantial Economic Stakes for Whisky Industry
The stakes are exceptionally high for Scotland's flagship export. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander underscored the severe implications, noting there are "no guarantees" the UK Government's strategy will succeed. He revealed being "acutely conscious" that the United States represents the most valuable export market for Scotch whisky by a significant margin.
Trade analysis from the Scotch Whisky Association paints a stark picture of the existing financial burden. The current 10% tariff on UK goods is reportedly costing the industry approximately £4 million every week, a figure that would escalate dramatically with any additional increase. Mr Alexander explicitly connected this to "jobs and livelihoods in Scotland," framing the tariff threat as a direct risk to employment and regional economic stability.
Scottish Government Expresses Deep Concern
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes articulated the Scottish Government's position, stating any further US tariffs would be "deeply damaging for jobs and economic growth across Scotland." She expressed profound unease with the proposed use of trade penalties as a geopolitical tool, asserting that "Greenland's future should be decided by the people of Greenland."
Ms Forbes criticised the strategy, arguing that "threats of tariffs should not be a bargaining chip in place of reasonable dialogue between international partners." When pressed on the Scottish Government's response, she confirmed that any US tariff hike would be a major concern for Scottish exporters, though specific ministerial actions were not detailed in the immediate statement.
Political Proposals for Domestic Support
Beyond international diplomacy, alternative economic measures have been proposed within the Scottish Parliament. Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene advocated for immediate domestic intervention, suggesting the UK Government should implement an "immediate cut to whisky duty of 5%".
Mr Greene argued this measure would demonstrate unwavering support for the industry and send a symbolic message to the US administration. He contended it would "show our whisky industry that we are 100% behind it" and simultaneously "show President Trump that free trade will always trump isolationism."
The situation remains fluid, with industry representatives and politicians alike watching for developments from both Westminster and Washington. The focus now turns to whether Mr Swinney will initiate direct contact with the White House, utilising his previous engagement in an attempt to shield a cornerstone of the Scottish economy from further trade disruption.
