MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH MSP RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT US TRADE DEAL

Colin Beattie, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, has expressed their concerns about the impact any prospective trade deal between the UK and the USA may have on local businesses.

According to reports in the media, the UK government is potentially negotiating a foundational trade partnership with the United States – having failed to engage or provide advance warning to Scottish Ministers or local businesses.

This prospective arrangement reportedly covers topics such as digital trade, labour protections and agriculture. The inclusion of agriculture in any talks will be particularly concerning to rural and farming communities in Midlothian North and Musselburgh and to consumers who are strongly against low standard food products entering the Scottish market.

Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
“While I fully support building trade and investment links with the United States, agricultural businesses in Midlothian North and Musselburgh must not be sold out to secure a quick trade deal.

“Scotland has a global reputation for exporting high quality food and drink produce across the world and I am extremely concerned that a deal with the United States may undermine our standards and cost us access to other global markets, including the EU.

“I know that constituents across Midlothian North and Musselburgh will also be deeply worried about any action from the UK government which would result in sub-par food, particularly meat, produce ending up on supermarket shelves.

“These reports are already causing concern to business in Midlothian North and Musselburgh – I urge the UK government to engage with our communities and Scottish Ministers and give a cast-iron guarantee that no trade deal will reduce food safety and animal welfare standards.

ENDS

NOTES 
Scottish Ministers letter to the UK government UK-US trade partnership: letter to the UK Government - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)