Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 25 February 2026 [Draft]
25 Feb 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
Food and Drink Sector (Exports)
Despite the recent figures that show that Scotland dramatically outperforms England on food and drink exports—in fact, we export more than six times as much per person—Scotland continues to face unnecessary barriers as a result of Westminster decisions, including on Brexit and trade deals that do not reflect Scotland’s economic priorities, not to mention the Labour Party’s crippling tax on Scotch whisky. What impact could a fresh start with independence have in allowing our world-class food and drink sector to reach its full potential?
In the same item of business
3. Bill Kidd (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP)
SNP
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the economic contribution of the Scottish food and drink sector to Scotland’s international exp...
The Minister for Business and Employment (Richard Lochhead)
SNP
Scotland’s £19 billion food and drink sector remains vital to our economy, with its products making up around 30 per cent of total United Kingdom food and dr...
Bill Kidd
SNP
Despite the recent figures that show that Scotland dramatically outperforms England on food and drink exports—in fact, we export more than six times as much ...
Richard Lochhead
SNP
Clearly, if we were an independent state, we would have full control over our own trade strategy, and we could decide how to work with our European partners ...