Scottish Government 'not even told US trade deal was coming', Kate Forbes says

LABOUR did not consult the devolved administrations on the newly announced US trade deal – or even communicate that it was coming, Kate Forbes has said. 

The Deputy First Minister said the lack of engagement from Labour had been  “disappointing”, and said that the agreement left concerns which “still need to be addressed".

She said that “urgent clarity” was needed on what the deal could mean for the import of food and agricultural produce from the US.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US president Donald Trump jointly announced the deal on Thursday.  

As a result of the negotiations, US import taxes – which had threatened to cripple British high-end carmakers – were cut from 27.5% to 10%, while the 25% tariff on steel and aluminium were removed entirely.

Though the Labour leader presented it as an "historic" announcement, the deal left 10% US tariffs on British goods in place in the vast majority of industries, including Scotch whisky and salmon.

Forbes said afterwards that the Scottish Government would “take time to consider this deal, and all its implications for Scotland, as further detail emerges”.

She added: “In particular, we will be seeking urgent clarity on what the deal means for imports of US food and agricultural products.

“We have always said that unilateral trade barriers are not the answer to global trade issues and so I obviously welcome the fact that some barriers will now be reduced.”

But she added: “The US is Scotland’s second biggest international trading partner after the EU and a number of trade-related concerns still need to be addressed.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes (Image: Jane Barlow/PA) “At a time of increased global economic insecurity, it’s more important than ever that we champion Scottish world-class products to drive economic growth, support jobs and create the best possible environment for trade and investment.”

Forbes went on to urge the UK Government to “continue engaging closely with the US administration” but to also “properly involve devolved administrations so that the interests of all parts of the UK are protected”.

The news that Labour did not consult the devolved governments comes despite the party claiming they would "reset" relationship within the UK after taking power.

The previous Tory-run UK government also faced criticism for excluding devolved governments from trade talks. In 2021, ministers in Scotland and Wales said the UK Government has "undermined" devolution by agreeing new trade deals which impact devolved issues.