DAVID Mundell’s appointment as a top UK Government trade official has been branded “disastrous” for Scotland’s farmers.
The former Scottish Secretary – who has previously criticised Boris Johnson and a hard Brexit – accepted a position as the Tory government’s trade envoy for New Zealand.
The Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP has been named as one of 10 new officials hired by the Tory government administration, including Brexiteers Ian Botham and Baroness Kate Hoey.
The Scottish Tory said he was “delighted” to accept the New Zealand role. The SNP, however, insist that Mundell “cannot be trusted”.
MSP Emma Harper (below) said: “This is a disastrous appointment for Scotland’s farming and crofting communities. David Mundell is no more than a Tory yes man who has consistently and repeatedly failed to stand up for Scotland, for our businesses and for our farmers.
"He rejected the chance to protect farmers from low-quality imports when voting for the UK Agriculture Bill and voted through the UK government's dangerous Trade Bill.
“He represents a rural constituency with significant sheep and lamb and beef farming interests, and he will now be helping New Zealand get their product into the UK at the expense of Scottish farmers, with no tariffs in place.”
READ MORE: Ian Botham destroys his own credentials for Australia trade enjoy role
She added: "Scotland's food and drink sector has already suffered enormously from this Tory government’s actions – with fishing communities, farmers, crofters and businesses across Scotland losing millions of pounds in trade as a result of Brexit – and risks being hit further by future Tory trade deals.
"David Mundell and the rest of the Tories have proven time and again they cannot be trusted to protect Scotland's trade or businesses – that is why we need a referendum for recovery, so we can put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands.”
The UK Government already had envoys in more than 60 countries across the world. They are tasked with promoting British business and “breaking down barriers to trade”.
Mundell tweeted: “Delighted to have been appointed UK Trade Envoy to New Zealand.
“So many strong links already between the UK, Scotland and my own constituency with New Zealand. Looking forward to building on them and fostering new export and investment opportunities.”
The Tory MP was sacked by Johnson as Scottish Secretary in 2019.
Speaking at the time, he said: "Mr Johnson made it clear he wanted a cabinet in his own mould – I'm clearly not in that mould.
"I've never been a cheerleader for him, which is well documented.
"I was prepared to work with him because my overriding priority is keeping Scotland in the United Kingdom and making sure that we deliver a Brexit that's best for Scotland."
Botham, who was handed a peerage due to his support for Brexit, has been made the envoy for Australia.
Former Labour MP and Brexiteer Baroness Hoey has been appointed to Ghana, while Stephen Timms MP has been assigned to Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has accepted a post for Cameroon.
Mark Eastwood MP is the envoy in Pakistan, while Marco Longhi MP has been assigned to Brazil and Conor Burns MP will be the envoy to Canada.
Lord Walney has been appointed in Tanzania, while Felicity Buchan MP has been given a brief in Iceland and Norway.
Truss, said: “Our Trade Envoys play a key role in delivering our ambitious global trade agenda, and I am delighted the Prime Minister has appointed ten Trade Envoys who will boost opportunities for British businesses in some of the world’s fastest growing markets.
“By boosting exports, promoting inward investment and creating high-value, high-paying jobs, our Trade Envoys will help us build back better from Covid-19, ensuring every part of the UK benefits from our trade strategy.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel