Scotland’s place at trade table

Sir, – I had a letter published in The Courier a couple of months ago, which queried the standing of ‘protected geographical indicators’, which are used to protect iconic brands, such as Scotch whisky, Stornoway black pudding, Arbroath smokies etc.

I was concerned that these items did not seem to be covered in the Eu-canada trade deal, which had already been agreed by the UK.

This issue has now become more urgent because Westminster representatives are already in discussions with the US regarding a US/UK trade deal, to come into effect once Brexit is concluded.

The US has made its views known about geographical indicators: they undermine access for American producers, so they will have to go. Our food standards will have to be lowered, to allow chlorinated chicken and genetically modified foods.

Our most valuable export, whisky, could soon face competition from “Scotch” from all over the world.

And it won’t end there: the NHS in England is already being infiltrated by profit-making companies, and the US medical and pharmaceutical companies will be drooling at the prospect free access to the NHS.

The Brexiteers will be desperate for a deal, any deal, to justify their departure from the EU.

It is essential that the Scottish Government has a full role in these negotiations, and, if the deal is not satisfactory, they should be able to withhold their consent. Les Mackay. Carmichael Gardens, Dundee.