Thursday 14th January 2021

(3 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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The Secretary of State was asked—
David Mundell Portrait David Mundell (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale) (Con)
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What steps she is taking to reduce tariffs on the export of Scotch whisky to the US.

John Lamont Portrait John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con)
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What progress she has made on the removal of US tariffs on Scottish goods.

Elizabeth Truss Portrait The Secretary of State for International Trade (Elizabeth Truss)
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My right hon. Friend has been a huge champion for Scotch whisky. We have been working hard to de-escalate this conflict and get punitive tariffs removed on both sides of the Atlantic. That is the way forward, not escalating this tariff dispute.

David Mundell Portrait David Mundell [V]
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The Secretary of State has worked incredibly hard in negotiating with the United States to try to find a bilateral settlement to the Airbus-Boeing dispute to facilitate a deal with the US. Of course she is aware of the significant damage that the Scotch whisky industry continues to suffer, with export losses now approaching a staggering £450 million. Will she reassure me that as soon as possible after the new US Administration is in place, she will urgently pick up negotiations on a deal to end tariffs? Will she update the House, before that, on what support she requires from other UK Government Departments to ensure that a deal is agreed by the whole of the UK Government?

Elizabeth Truss Portrait Elizabeth Truss
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I completely agree with my right hon. Friend about the urgency of ending this tariff dispute. I have been clear with the United States and the European Union that we want to de-escalate it and reach a negotiated settlement. This dispute has already been going on for 16 years and has caused much damage. I am seeking an early meeting with the new US trade representative, Katherine Tai, and this will be one of the items on my agenda. I am also working closely with the new Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on this issue.