Outer Hebrides MP remains at helm of International Trade Select Committee

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil has been re-elected chairman of the International Trade Select Committee.

Mr MacNeil, who has chaired the committee since 2017 and is the first SNP MP to be elected as a Select Committee chairman in an election by the House of Commons, says the issue of international trade is more important than ever.

The committee is appointed by the Commons to examine expenditure, administration and policy of the Department of International Trade and its associated bodies as well as scrutinising what they do.

Commenting on his re-election, Mr MacNeil said: ‘International trade has never been as important as it is now given the UK is leaving the EU trading bloc, ending many of our current trade agreements with European partners. International trade will feature greatly in the months and years ahead.

‘I have already contacted the International Trade Department with a view to scrutinising trade bills.

‘We have to get this right. It’s not about political parties, it’s about the aerospace industry, pharmaceuticals, car manufacturers, food and drink exporters, the entertainment industry and the ceramics industry, among many others.

‘It is a huge honour to be re-elected as a Select Committee chairman in an election of the entire House of Commons. I look forward to the challenges and the great opportunities of working with cross party colleagues to hold the Government to account, to drive the agenda forward and to try to make the best of the situation we are in.’