Scotland must avoid being forced into a “bargain basement”
trade deal with Trump by stopping Brexit, SNP MSP Tom Arthur has said.
The Tories have made the ability to strike independent trade deals a red line
in Brexit negotiations – despite the EU having a proven record of securing
advantageous trade deals on the UK’s behalf.
But a chilling 18 page list of US government negotiating priorities published
earlier this year outline the potential cost of a trade deal with Trump.
The US priorities include weakening food standards in the UK, opening up our
domestic market to genetically modified crops, chlorine-washed chicken and
hormone-injected beef – which could disadvantage farmers in Renfrewshire South.
Studies have indicated significantly higher rates of salmonella in the US than
in the UK, contributing to fears over the safety of reducing food
standards.
Commenting, Tom Arthur MSP said:
“Both Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire voted overwhelmingly to Remain in the EU – yet we face being dragged out against our will.
“Brexiteers promised that leaving the EU would lead to free trade deals across the globe.
“The reality is that the UK alone will be in a much weaker negotiating position than the EU as a whole – and Donald Trump will try to use that weakness to lower standards and open up our market to second class produce.
“That’s bad news for consumers, and bad news for food producers in Renfrewshire South forced to compete with a flood of cheap, low quality imports.
“Scotland can’t be forced to accept a bargain basement trade deal with Trump.
“We need to stop Brexit – a vote for the SNP in the European election will make clear we will not stand for this.”
Notes:
Britain’s hopes of a trade deal with America just suffered a big blow
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/03/01/business/us-uk-trade-deal-brexit/index.html
Chlorinated chicken: How safe is it?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47440562