Scott fears that salmon exports might be adversely affected should UK minister amend the Northern Ireland protocol
Ongoing media reports suggest that UK Government ministers want to urgently amend the Northern Ireland protocol, which has sparked concerns of retaliatory action by the EU.
Scottish salmon is the UK’s biggest fresh food export, with sales of £372 million to EU countries last year – accounting for 61 per cent of global Scottish salmon exports. This makes a huge contribution to the UK economy and supports thousands of jobs in rural Scotland.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said in a press release: “As the political rhetoric ramps up, the wider interests of all exporters to continental Europe are not being considered. A trade war should be avoided at all costs.
“Like many sectors, our members have spent months addressing the challenges of Brexit, including the extra paperwork required. “That hard work by Scottish farmers must not be jeopardised.
“As demand for our world-renowned Scottish salmon continues to soar, we urge the UK Government to navigate a way through this that doesn’t harm vital trade deals.”
