First Minister John Swinney sought to champion the decision as a victory secured by himself. The SNP posted an image of Mr Swinney on social media with the words: “US whisky tariffs removed. John Swinney fought for Scotch Whisky. And he delivered.” Mr Swinney also said he made the case for this in the Oval Office, as well as at “the State Banquet hosted by His Majesty The King in London last September”.
The comments sparked anger from political opponents.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “John Swinney and the SNP’s record is so dismal that they are now trying to claim credit for work they are not responsible for. The lifting of tariffs on Scotch Whisky is a great success – but it is clear that this was delivered after months of engagement and diligent work involving UK Government negotiators, those in the whisky sector, and our allies in the United States.
“It also demonstrates the positive influence of His Majesty the King when it comes to speaking with world leaders and representing the interests of Scotland and the United Kingdom. It is shameless for the SNP to now seek to claim credit in the same week that a special adviser to John Swinney called for the Monarchy to end.
“Stephen Flynn also furiously demanded that the State Visit of the US President be cancelled last year. The SNP cannot only seek to claim credit while refusing to take any responsibility for their own failures in government.”
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander was also outraged, writing on X: “John you’ve been caught red handed claiming credit for something you didn’t achieve. Now you’re doubling down. It’s embarrassing.
“I get it doesn’t fit your world view that the U.K. Govt was working for this whisky deal before, during & after your visit to DC but those are facts.”
Speaking to LBC, he said the argument Mr Swinney had brought the issue of whisky tariffs to Mr Trump’s attention was a “lie”.
“The King has secured an agreement from the US president to remove tariffs on Scotch whisky,” Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay added, the Scottish Daily Express reported.
“John Swinney is trying to claim credit. Why are the SNP so dishonest?”
However, according to Mr Trump, Mr Swinney did indeed play a key role.
In a note to the Scottish First Minister, Mr Trump said his intervention formed a “very big part” in his decision to scrap them.
The SNP said the pair spoke for nine minutes on Friday afternoon, during which Mr Swinney personally thanked the President for ending the tariffs.
On Friday, Mr Swinney said he was “delighted” by the news and welcomed the King’s involvement and the work of the UK Government.
