Trade Negotiations

Debate between Baroness Gustafsson and Baroness Curran

Tuesday 13th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Gustafsson (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for his question. I think he knows that yesterday I commented that I would follow up in writing with the specifics on that, and I will endeavour also to include the noble Lord in that response. As I commented yesterday, my parliamentary knowledge is thin but building, but it is not yet at Article XXIV of the GATT.

[Baroness Curran (Lab)]

I say to my noble friend the Minister that I warmly welcome this Statement, most particularly its emphasis on the negotiations with India in respect of the Scottish whisky industry and the benefits it will bring for that industry but also, more broadly, for the Scottish economy. Will my noble friend the Minister confirm that these negotiations will reduce tariffs on Scotch whisky from 150% to 75% at entry, moving to 40% after 10 years? Given that Labour’s team has succeeded in these negotiations where the previous Tory Government patently failed, does the Minister think it appropriate that the team should perhaps celebrate with a wee dram? If she needs any advice on what Scottish whiskies she could partake in, I am more than happy to provide that introduction.

[Baroness Gustafsson (Lab)]

That is wonderful to hear—a worthy celebration indeed. Of course, I am delighted that, as a result of this deal, Scotland will benefit from significant tariff liberalisation for a whole variety of its exports, which includes whisky, for which the current 150% tariff will reduce to 75% from day one of the deal, reaching just 40% after 10 years. The Scotch Whisky Association described the deal as

“a once in a generation deal and a landmark moment”

which is “transformational” for Scotch whisky exports.