FM 'point-scoring' on whisky trade debate

Scottish Secretary slams Trump meeting

- By Richard Elias

THE First Minister has been slammed over alleged “political point-scoring” during a meeting in Washington DC with the President of the US.

John Swinney held brief talks with Donald Trump this week to broach a number of issues, including tariffs on Scotch whisky.

Afterwards he said he had “worked hard to create a platform for the UK Government to negotiate and to deliver” on the issue.

But yesterday in a curt put-down the new Scottish Secretary made it clear the UK Government was at the forefront of talks to reduce the damaging levies.

Douglas Alexander, who recently replaced Ian Murray in the role, told the BBC such discussions had been taking place with the White House “long before” Mr Swinney’s visit.