Moray MP Douglas Ross has held a series of meetings with Ministers from the Department of International Trade in recent weeks to discuss the tariffs applied to iconic Moray products including Scotch Whisky, Shortbread and Cashmere as part of an ongoing dispute between the EU and USA.
As well as discussions at a ministerial level, Douglas is hoping to secure a debate on the subject at Westminster in the coming weeks.
Commenting, Douglas said: “We knew from the moment that these tariffs were imposed on sectors including Scotch Whisky, Shortbread and Cashmere that this would have a huge impact on Moray which is a world-renowned home to all of these products. I’m grateful for the attention that has been given by Secretary of State Liz Truss MP and Minister Greg Hands MP who have been keen to work with me to make the case for these tariffs to be removed.
“I’m encouraged that Ministers have confirmed this has been raised by the UK Government at the negotiating table with the US as we seek to deliver a trade deal between our two countries and that last month Liz Truss again raised this directly with US Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer.
“I’ve also applied to the Parliamentary authorities to have a debate in the House of Commons on these tariffs and the impact they are having on our iconic Moray products.
“I want all the sectors affected to know that removing these tariffs is a top priority for me as the local MP and for the Government.
“I believe the trade deal with the US is an opportunity to get rid of these tariffs once and for all and I hope other political parties will get behind our efforts to secure a successful deal for the UK and rid us of these tariffs.”
Greg Hands MP Minister of State for Trade Policy said: “I’ve held useful discussions with Douglas on US tariffs and how they affect Moray, being home to so much Scotch Whisky, Shortbread and Cashmere.
“Secretary of State Liz Truss and I continue to raise this at the negotiations and bilaterally. The tariffs are mutually damaging and unnecessary.”