Agricultural Exports to the United States
2021-10-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Discussions regarding UK agricultural exports to the US, specifically focusing on Scotch whisky, British beef, and now lamb. The background includes previous disputes and recent positive developments.
What recent discussions he has had with the (a) Prime Minister and (b) US Administration on agricultural exports to the United States?
Recent discussions with the US have led to several positive outcomes for the UK. We have resolved the Airbus-Boeing dispute, leading to the suspension of the 25% tariff on Scotch whisky; for the first time in two decades, British beef is on US plates; and most recently, my officials spoke to their US counterparts, who confirmed their intention to enable the import of British lamb following the Prime Minister's discussions on that with President Biden.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Prime Minister declared that Scottish and UK businesses would be able to export their lamb to the United States after discussions with President Biden. However, leaked memos from the US Department suggest uncertainty about this declaration.
That is an incredibly important point. Of course, when the Prime Minister left the White House, he declared to Scottish and UK businesses that they would indeed once again be able to export their lamb to the United States of America, but we have seen from leaked memos from the Secretary of State's own Department that that was not necessarily the case. Perhaps he can shine a little more detail on that. When will Scottish producers be able to export their lamb to the United States?
I cannot put a timescale on precisely when that will happen, but as I said, the Prime Minister had very positive discussions on this very issue with President Biden, and my officials have been continuing that discussion with US officials, who have confirmed their intention to enable the import of British lamb to the United States.
▸
Assessment & feedback
timescale
I Cannot Put A Timescale On Precisely When That Will Happen
Response accuracy