THE Prime Minister has said he will “fight tooth and nail” to protect Scottish whisky – though he did not commit to raising US tariffs looming over the industry with Donald Trump.
However, Keir Starmer did say he would speak about Scotland with the US president when he meets him this week, saying Trump always raises the country when they talk.
The Labour leader further pledged to “absolutely” defend Scotch whisky when asked about his Government considering a controversial change to the definition of English single malt whisky that industry bosses say takes advantage of Scotland’s reputation.
The Prime Minister was speaking to media at the Scottish Labour conference on Sunday when The National raised the issues facing Scotch whisky with him.
Starmer was asked: “In 14 months, Scotch whisky is going to be hit with 25% US tariffs, unless Donald Trump stops them. Will you raise that with him when you see him next week?
“And the Scotch Whisky Association is saying that the definition of English single malt that's being considered by your Government is taking advantage of Scotch whisky's reputation. Do you accept that?”
Responding, the Prime Minister said: “Well, let me take those separately. On Scotch, Scottish whisky, it is really important that we are supportive, and I will be – I've given my word on that – in everything.
“It is such an important part of the economy here, it's such an important part of what is Scotland – and therefore we will fight tooth and nail on that issue.”
He went on: “In relation to the English element here, look, there's a consultation going on.
“It's a consultation that has to happen under the operation of the legal framework that we're under – but my commitment is, as I say, absolutely to defend Scottish whisky.”
Elsewhere, Starmer did say that he would be talking about Scotland with Trump when he visits Washington DC on Thursday. However, he suggested he would have no choice due to the US president’s fondness for the country.
Asked by LBC about reports that Trump will be invited for a state visit to the UK – including a trip to Balmoral – Starmer said: “As you know, I've spoken to President Trump a number of times.
“I met him in New York in September. We had dinner together for a couple of hours. I've spoken to him a number of times on the telephone since, and obviously I'm going over later this week.
“In terms of state visits, that's a matter for His Majesty the King.
“But I can guarantee that when I'm over there next week, as President Trump has done in every conversation I've had with him, he'll be talking about Scotland, as he always does.
“He's so fond of Scotland, as you know.”
Trump’s mother was Scottish, having emigrated to New York from the Isle of Lewis. He owns two golf courses in Scotland – at Turnberry in Ayrshire and Menie Links in Aberdeenshire.
