Latest news with #TavishScott
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
U.K. flags new Indian market for Scottish salmon trade after FTA
The U.K. Government has flagged the unlocking of the Indian market for Scottish salmon following the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, finalised earlier this month and expected to be formally signed off in the coming weeks. Downing Street has this week been highlighting benefits of the India-U.K. FTA and other trade pacts struck in its wake with the U.S. and European Union (EU) in an effort to showcase the sectors and regions across the United Kingdom set to benefit. 'These trade deals deliver long term security for people in Scotland. They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people's lives,' Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. 'These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it's lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Scotland,' he said. Downing Street noted that the FTA had 'unlocked a new salmon market through our deal with India, with tariffs dropping from 33% to 0%'. 'Securing frictionless access to key markets such as the EU, along with expanding opportunities in India, is crucial to protect our producers from unnecessary barriers like tariffs and red tape,' said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, the key representative of the sector. 'Ministers rightly recognise salmon as the jewel in the crown of our world-class produce and its vital role in the economy of coastal communities and across the U.K.,' he said. However, in Scotland, the spotlight remains on the whisky industry which is set to see tariffs for exports to India slashed significantly over the next decade following what the U.K. has dubbed as a 'landmark deal' — agreed on May 6 and expected to add an extra GBP 25.5 billion annually in the long run to the current two-way trade of GBP 41 billion. Under the pact, Scottish distillers will immediately see tariffs halved from 150% to 75% and eventually to just 40% over the next decade. U.K. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said, 'The three landmark deals secured this month with the U.S., India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. 'For Scottish businesses, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners." "From our world-renowned whisky distilleries to our cutting-edge green energy sector, Scotland has so much to offer international markets... By securing better access to the European Union, United States and India, we're creating real opportunities for Scottish businesses to grow, supporting jobs in communities from the Highlands to the Borders,' added Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray. At the Indian end, leading Goa-based whisky producer John Distillers welcomed the India-U.K. FTA as a "significant step" towards strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. 'This may have a short-term impact on Indian products in India, however, we are confident about the quality of our products and believe we can rise to the challenge,' the makers of Paul John whisky said in a statement. 'We also hope that this deal will allow better ease of business for Indian products in the U.K.. It is crucial to ensure that both nations maintain a level playing field, safeguarding the interests of domestic industries and promoting fair competition,' it noted. Until further details of the FTA emerge, the Indian distiller said it plans to continue to 'build awareness and availability' of its portfolio in the U.K. Other industries boosted by the FTA include soft drinks and food that the UK government says will 'ramp up' Scotland's export economy.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UK flags new Indian market for Scottish salmon trade after FTA
The UK government has flagged the unlocking of the Indian market for Scottish salmon following the Free Trade Agreement ( FTA ) with India , finalised earlier this month and expected to be formally signed off in the coming weeks. Downing Street has this week been highlighting benefits of the India-UK FTA and other trade pacts struck in its wake with the US and European Union (EU) in an effort to showcase the sectors and regions across the United Kingdom set to benefit. "These trade deals deliver long term security for people in Scotland. They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people's lives," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo "These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it's lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Scotland," he said. Downing Street noted that the FTA had "unlocked a new salmon market through our deal with India, with tariffs dropping from 33 per cent to 0 per cent". Live Events "Securing frictionless access to key markets such as the EU, along with expanding opportunities in India, is crucial to protect our producers from unnecessary barriers like tariffs and red tape," said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, the key representative of the sector. "Ministers rightly recognise salmon as the jewel in the crown of our world-class produce and its vital role in the economy of coastal communities and across the UK," he said. However, in Scotland, the spotlight remains on the whisky industry which is set to see tariffs for exports to India slashed significantly over the next decade following what the UK has dubbed as a "landmark deal" - agreed on May 6 and expected to add an extra GBP 25.5 billion annually in the long run to the current two-way trade of GBP 41 billion. Under the pact, Scottish distillers will immediately see tariffs halved from 150 per cent to 75 per cent and eventually to just 40 per cent over the next decade. UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: "The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. "For Scottish businesses, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners." "From our world-renowned whisky distilleries to our cutting-edge green energy sector, Scotland has so much to offer international markets... By securing better access to the European Union, United States and India, we're creating real opportunities for Scottish businesses to grow, supporting jobs in communities from the Highlands to the Borders," added Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray. At the Indian end, leading Goa-based whisky producer John Distillers welcomed the India-UK FTA as a "significant step" towards strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. "This may have a short-term impact on Indian products in India, however, we are confident about the quality of our products and believe we can rise to the challenge," the makers of Paul John whisky said in a statement. "We also hope that this deal will allow better ease of business for Indian products in the UK. It is crucial to ensure that both nations maintain a level playing field, safeguarding the interests of domestic industries and promoting fair competition," it noted. Until further details of the FTA emerge, the Indian distiller said it plans to continue to "build awareness and availability" of its portfolio in the UK. Other industries boosted by the FTA include soft drinks and food that the UK government says will "ramp up" Scotland's export economy.
South Wales Guardian
23-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Starmer hails trade deals ahead of meeting with national and regional leaders
Ahead of a meeting with devolved national and regional leaders on Friday, the Prime Minister sought to highlight the economic benefits of the recent deals. The UK Government says Scottish produce such as whisky, salmon and gin will all receive a boost from tariffs being slashed and trade barriers being cut. Ministers say this week's 'reset' deal with the EU will address problems experienced by salmon exporters since 2019. Welsh farmers will benefit from the elimination of India's lamb tariffs and the ability to export meat products to the EU. Northern Irish whiskey exports to India will benefit from tariffs halving trom 150% to 75% before falling further to 40% over a decade. The Council of Nations and Regions will meet in London on Friday, bringing together political leaders from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London and English metro mayors. This will be the second formal meeting since the council was set up by the Labour Government, with the first taking place in Edinburgh last October. The Prime Minister said 'these trade deals deliver long-term security' for people across the UK. 'They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people's lives. 'These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it's lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods.' Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said his industry welcomed the latest trade deals. He said: 'Ministers rightly recognise salmon as the jewel in the crown of our world-class produce and its vital role in the economy of coastal communities and across the UK. 'Securing frictionless access to key markets such as the EU, along with expanding opportunities in India, is crucial to protect our producers from unnecessary barriers like tariffs and red tape.' However, the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, which represents fishing fleets around the country, has described the EU deal as a 'horror show' which fails to deal with sovereign access rights. During the meeting on Friday, the Prime Minister is expected to challenge the devolved leaders to use the trade deals to drive growth forward in their areas. The leaders will also discuss the use of AI in delivering services. Ahead of the meeting, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said there must be a UK-wide mission to raise living standards. He will also take part in bilateral talks with the Prime Minister on Friday and will call for the winter fuel payment to be restored for pensioners. Mr Swinney said: 'People across the UK are living through a period of huge uncertainty and, for some, that is undermining the trust they have in government. 'Cutting the winter fuel payment saw the UK Government breaking promises and removing vital financial support for some of the most vulnerable in our society. 'Having effectively conceded the argument by announcing a partial U-turn, the Prime Minister should accept the cut was wrong and restore a universal winter fuel payment.' He added: 'I will raise this issue with him alongside other critical issues, including our proposal for a Scottish graduate visa, carbon capture and what impacts recent trade deals will have on Scottish producers and businesses.'
Rhyl Journal
23-05-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Starmer hails trade deals ahead of meeting with national and regional leaders
Ahead of a meeting with devolved national and regional leaders on Friday, the Prime Minister sought to highlight the economic benefits of the recent deals. The UK Government says Scottish produce such as whisky, salmon and gin will all receive a boost from tariffs being slashed and trade barriers being cut. Ministers say this week's 'reset' deal with the EU will address problems experienced by salmon exporters since 2019. Welsh farmers will benefit from the elimination of India's lamb tariffs and the ability to export meat products to the EU. Northern Irish whiskey exports to India will benefit from tariffs halving trom 150% to 75% before falling further to 40% over a decade. The Council of Nations and Regions will meet in London on Friday, bringing together political leaders from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London and English metro mayors. This will be the second formal meeting since the council was set up by the Labour Government, with the first taking place in Edinburgh last October. The Prime Minister said 'these trade deals deliver long-term security' for people across the UK. 'They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people's lives. 'These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it's lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods.' Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said his industry welcomed the latest trade deals. He said: 'Ministers rightly recognise salmon as the jewel in the crown of our world-class produce and its vital role in the economy of coastal communities and across the UK. 'Securing frictionless access to key markets such as the EU, along with expanding opportunities in India, is crucial to protect our producers from unnecessary barriers like tariffs and red tape.' However, the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, which represents fishing fleets around the country, has described the EU deal as a 'horror show' which fails to deal with sovereign access rights. During the meeting on Friday, the Prime Minister is expected to challenge the devolved leaders to use the trade deals to drive growth forward in their areas. The leaders will also discuss the use of AI in delivering services. Ahead of the meeting, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said there must be a UK-wide mission to raise living standards. He will also take part in bilateral talks with the Prime Minister on Friday and will call for the winter fuel payment to be restored for pensioners. Mr Swinney said: 'People across the UK are living through a period of huge uncertainty and, for some, that is undermining the trust they have in government. 'Cutting the winter fuel payment saw the UK Government breaking promises and removing vital financial support for some of the most vulnerable in our society. 'Having effectively conceded the argument by announcing a partial U-turn, the Prime Minister should accept the cut was wrong and restore a universal winter fuel payment.' He added: 'I will raise this issue with him alongside other critical issues, including our proposal for a Scottish graduate visa, carbon capture and what impacts recent trade deals will have on Scottish producers and businesses.'
South Wales Argus
23-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Starmer hails trade deals ahead of meeting with national and regional leaders
Ahead of a meeting with devolved national and regional leaders on Friday, the Prime Minister sought to highlight the economic benefits of the recent deals. The UK Government says Scottish produce such as whisky, salmon and gin will all receive a boost from tariffs being slashed and trade barriers being cut. The first summit was held in Edinburgh last October (Andy Buchanan/PA) Ministers say this week's 'reset' deal with the EU will address problems experienced by salmon exporters since 2019. Welsh farmers will benefit from the elimination of India's lamb tariffs and the ability to export meat products to the EU. Northern Irish whiskey exports to India will benefit from tariffs halving trom 150% to 75% before falling further to 40% over a decade. The Council of Nations and Regions will meet in London on Friday, bringing together political leaders from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London and English metro mayors. This will be the second formal meeting since the council was set up by the Labour Government, with the first taking place in Edinburgh last October. The Prime Minister said 'these trade deals deliver long-term security' for people across the UK. 'They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people's lives. 'These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it's lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods.' Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said his industry welcomed the latest trade deals. He said: 'Ministers rightly recognise salmon as the jewel in the crown of our world-class produce and its vital role in the economy of coastal communities and across the UK. 'Securing frictionless access to key markets such as the EU, along with expanding opportunities in India, is crucial to protect our producers from unnecessary barriers like tariffs and red tape.' However, the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, which represents fishing fleets around the country, has described the EU deal as a 'horror show' which fails to deal with sovereign access rights. During the meeting on Friday, the Prime Minister is expected to challenge the devolved leaders to use the trade deals to drive growth forward in their areas. The leaders will also discuss the use of AI in delivering services. Ahead of the meeting, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said there must be a UK-wide mission to raise living standards. He will also take part in bilateral talks with the Prime Minister on Friday and will call for the winter fuel payment to be restored for pensioners. Mr Swinney said: 'People across the UK are living through a period of huge uncertainty and, for some, that is undermining the trust they have in government. 'Cutting the winter fuel payment saw the UK Government breaking promises and removing vital financial support for some of the most vulnerable in our society. 'Having effectively conceded the argument by announcing a partial U-turn, the Prime Minister should accept the cut was wrong and restore a universal winter fuel payment.' He added: 'I will raise this issue with him alongside other critical issues, including our proposal for a Scottish graduate visa, carbon capture and what impacts recent trade deals will have on Scottish producers and businesses.'
