Outrage as SNP try to take credit for King Charles deal with Donald Trump | World | News
First Minister John Swinney tried to defend the decision as a victory for himself. The SNP posted a photo of Mr Swinney on social media with the words: “US whiskey tariffs removed. John Swinney fought for Scotch Whiskey. And he succeeded.” Mr Swinney also said he had raised this in the Oval Office and “at the State Banquet held by His Majesty the King in London last September”.
The comments sparked outrage from political opponents.
Scottish Labor deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “John Swinney and the SNP’s record is so dismal that they are now trying to claim credit for work for which they are not responsible. “The removal of tariffs on Scotch Whiskey is a great achievement – but it is clear that it has been achieved after months of engagement and painstaking work, including from UK Government negotiators, those in the whiskey industry and our allies in the US.
“This also demonstrates the positive influence that His Majesty the King has in speaking to world leaders and representing the interests of Scotland and the UK. It is shameless that the SNP is now claiming credit in the same week that John Swinney’s private adviser called for the end of the Monarchy.
“Stephen Flynn also angrily demanded that the US President’s State Visit last year be cancelled. The SNP cannot simply seek to claim credit while refusing to take responsibility for its own failures in government.”
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander was also incensed, writing of
“I understand that it doesn’t fit with your worldview that the UK government was working on this whiskey deal before, during and after your visit to DC, but these are the facts.”
Speaking to LBC, he said Mr Swinney’s claim that he had brought the issue of whiskey tariffs to Mr Trump’s attention was a “lie”.
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay added: “The King has secured a deal from the US president to remove tariffs on Scotch whisky.” Scottish Daily Express reported.
“John Swinney is trying to take credit. Why are the SNP so dishonest?”
But according to Mr. Trump, Mr. Swinney did indeed play a key role.
In a note to Scotland’s First Minister, Mr Trump said his intervention played a “huge role” in the decision to cancel them.
The SNP said the pair spoke for nine minutes on Friday afternoon, during which Mr Swinney personally thanked the President for removing the tariffs.
On Friday, Mr Swinney said he was “delighted” by the news and welcomed the King’s involvement and the work of the UK Government.
