Trade deal with India?

Back in April 2022, former prime minister Boris Johnson said he wants a free trade deal with India by November. No other nation drinks as much whisky as India which should have Scotland’s world-famous industry celebrating, as each bottle of Scotch sold in India comes with a hefty price tag attached thanks to tariffs of 150 per cent on imported liquor. According to the Scotch Whisky Association says, do away with those tariffs, and exports could rise by £1bn over five years.

Post-Brexit talks would be a deal with India and Scotch Whisky could benefit most, but now in doubt because of a comment by new Home Secretary Suella Braverman, saying that Indians are overstaying their work permits. Glenkinchie in East Lothian is the go-to Scotch Whisky distillery for new secretaries of state for international trade who don’t have time to visit Speyside or Islay. A new visitor Centre is part of the Johnnie Walker branding, representing one of Scotland’s and Britain’s most successful exports. Diageo happens to be the company with the most to gain from opening up the market for Scotch