Mr Poynton used an exchange in the House of Commons to press Trade Minister Douglas Alexander on the benefits for local businesses,highlighting Glenmorangie whisky, Paterson’s shortbread, and the area’s growing digital services sector as key beneficiaries of the deal.
“This is a major win for Scotland’s economy and for the people of Livingston,” Mr Poynton said. “We bottle world-class whisky and bake iconic Scottish shortbread right here, and our digital SMEs are expanding every year. This deal supports them all.”
Under the terms of the agreement, tariffs on Scotch whisky exports to India , one of the world’s largest whisky markets , will fall from 150% to 75% immediately, and drop to 40% over the next decade. Tariffs on chocolate, biscuits and shortbread will fall from 33% to 0% over a period of up to ten years, depending on product lines. Meanwhile, soft drink tariffs, including for iconic Scottish brands like Irn Bru, will be eliminated within seven years.
The deal also includes measures to streamline customs processes and promote digital trade, offering additional support to Scotland’s growing tech and services sectors.
Responding to Mr Poynton in the Commons, Trade Minister. Douglas Alexander MP said: “If you look at the cut we’ve secured for whisky tariffs in the huge Indian market, it’s a clear and tangible example of the difference a Labour government is making.
"As Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: ‘The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is a once-in-a-generation deal... a landmark moment for Scotch whisky exports to the world’s largest whisky market.’”
According to UK Government estimates, the deal is expected to increase bilateral trade with India by £26 billion, boost UK GDP by £4.8 billion, and raise UK wages by £2 billion a year in the long run.
Mr Poynton added: “Where the SNP and Conservatives failed to deliver for Scotland, Labour is making it happen, driving trade, supporting jobs, and securing long-term growth for every part of the UK.”