Scotland Office
The meeting was held at the Scotland Offices London base, Dover House and was to discuss the implications of leaving the EU on the whisky sector.
Speaking after the meeting Andrew Dunlop said:
Whisky is one of Scotlands global success stories, accounting for around a quarter of UK food and drink exports. The industry generates millions of pounds for the UK economy, and supports thousands of jobs. Like many organisations, the Scotch Whisky Association has been considering the implications that leaving the EU may have on the sector and its members.
The UK Government is committed to working closely with them, as we are with the many business sectors across Scotland, as we prepare to enter negotiations to leave the European Union. Today was an excellent opportunity to discuss how the UK government can work with industry to promote Scotch whisky exports.
Julie Hesketh-Laird, Scotch Whisky Association acting chief executive, said:
Todays meeting with Lord Dunlop, and others from across the UK Government was welcome in that it furthers our common understanding of how we can work together to promote the Scotch Whisky industry. We discussed the export challenges and opportunities presented by Brexit, which is significant for Scotch Whisky as the biggest contributor to the UKs trade balance in goods.
Todays meeting is part of a wider series of UK Government engagements with a broad range of Scottish society and business sectors on the UKs preparations to leave the EU.