Key Scottish exports must be protected from Brexit disaster

Key Scottish exports must be protected from a Brexit disaster, Labour said today.

Speaking ahead of a visit to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said the Tories' reckless approach to leaving the European Union (EU) will put at risk the protected status of food and drink products such as black pudding, Scotch beef and lamb, Arbroath Smokies and whisky.

A number of food and drink products in Scotland and across the UK have protected status under EU law. This protects the products against imitation throughout the EU.

Labour has asked the UK Government how it will protect the brand status of UK products registered under the EU's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) schemes.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said:

"The Tories' reckless Brexit gamble has put key Scottish exports like black pudding, Scotch beef and whisky at risk.

"Food and drink exports are a key part of the Scottish economy, particularly our island economies. They secure jobs, grow the economy and are essential to the distinctive nature of Scotland's Highlands and Islands. 
"Any post-Brexit trade deal must protect the status of our key food and drink products. The Tories would sell our islands' economies down the river. Only a Labour government will fight to keep the protected status of key British food and drink products.

"With one vote for Labour on June 8, Scots can reject both Theresa May's plan for a hard Brexit and Nicola Sturgeon's plan for a divisive second independence referendum."