Importance of geographical protections for Scottish trade examined

3 July 2018

The Scottish Affairs Committee continue their inquiry into trade and foreign investment.

Geographical indications

In the first panel, the Committee hears from legal experts and lobbying group Keep Scotland the Brand about geographical indications. Geographical indications provide protection for products produced in a geographical location, often using specific production processes or containing defined ingredients. The UK is currently part of the EU protected food register which includes 15 protected products from Scotland, including Scotch Whisky and Arbroath Smokies.

This session considers the impact the system has had on the industries involved, and the future of this system after the UK leaves the EU.

Scotland's trade after Brexit

The second panel features business representatives and investigates Scotland's priorities for post-Brexit trade. The Committee discusses Scotland's trade priorities and options for protecting or improving access to key markets and considers the potential impact of different future scenarios for EU customs and trade deals on Scottish businesses, and how well the UK and Scottish Government co-ordinate their efforts to promote Scottish exports.

Witnesses

Tuesday 3 July, Committee Room 8, House of Commons

10:15am – Geographical Indications

Ruth Watson, Keep Scotland The Brand
Dr Gail Evans, Queen Mary University of London
Lindesay Low, Law Society of Scotland

11:00am – Scottish business representatives

Tim Allan, President, Scottish Chamber of Commerce
Matthew Lancashire, Director of Policy, Scottish Council for Development and Industry
Allie Renison, Head of Europe & Trade Policy, Institute of Directors

Further information

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