Greene Urges Whisky Tax Cut to take on Trump Tariff Uncertainty

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy and finance spokesperson Jamie Greene has called for a 5 percent whisky duty cut following recent uncertainty around the possibility of US tariffs on UK goods.

While tariffs have since been ruled out, Mr Greene said the episode has unsettled business confidence in a key Scottish export sector and highlighted the need for practical action at home to support producers.

Speaking during Topical Questions at Holyrood, Mr Greene urged the Scottish Government to join him in pressuring the UK Government to reduce the duty by 5p in the pound to protect the key Scottish sector from the effects of Trump’s actions.

Mr Greene later wrote to the Chancellor, Secretary of State for Scotland, Secretary of State for Business and Trade and Deputy First Minister urging their inter-government support.

Scottish Liberal Democrats believe that this is crucial opportunity to support a key Scottish industry and to send the message that free and open trade always beats protectionism.

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy and finance spokesperson, Jamie Greene MSP, said:

“Where I’m from in Greenock, we can spot a bully like Donald Trump a mile away and we know that you need to stand up to them.

“While it is welcome that US tariffs on UK goods will not now go ahead, Trump’s tariff threats against a NATO ally have created uncertainty that has already knocked confidence in a key Scottish industry. Scotland, the UK and the EU must continue to unite against protectionism.

“As a practical step, this means standing by our commitment to free trade and bringing down barriers, starting with a much-needed 5 percent cut in whisky duty to allow a key Scottish industry to do more business, generate more revenue, and create more jobs here in Scotland.”