Swinney 'argued case' for Scotch whisky with Trump at state banquet

John Swinney said he took “every opportunity” to plead the case for Scotch whisky at a state banquet at Windsor Castle.

The First Minister joined party leaders and the Royal Family to dine with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening.

Speaking following the event, Swinney said he was able to “reinforce” the messages previously shared with Trump during his visit to the Oval Office.

The First Minister is arguing that Scotch whisky should be exempt from the standard 10% duty charge when it is imported to the USA, as it can only legally be produced in Scotland.

“The decision-making dialogue around this is undertaken in dialogue between the UK Government and the Government of the United States”, Swinney told the media following First Minister’s Questions.

“What I’m doing is making sure there is a very high level of awareness of the need for us to go a zero-from-zero approach.”

Asked whether he still believes there is a “real chance” of a better deal for the industry, Swinney added: “My view hasn’t changed, I think we’re getting a very fair hearing on this.

“I think I’ve managed to get this issue much more prominently considered in the discussions and I will take every opportunity – and believe me, I took every opportunity last night – to use my presence to make sure that I advanced those arguments as much as I possibly could.

“It’s kind of unmissable now. It’s very much on the UK Government’s radar as a consequence of the steps I have taken, and I will be working constructively to find a solution that will deliver for Scotch whisky.”