SWA chief exec advises Scotland on Brexit

The chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association has joined a group of experts formed by Nicola Sturgeon to advise on Scotland’s relationship with the EU following last week’s Brexit vote.

David Frost has joined Nicola Sturgeon’s Standing Council on Europe in the wake of the Brexit vote

David Frost has been invited to join the Scottish First Minister’s Standing Council on Europe in the capacity of a whisky and trade expert and a former diplomat.

Professor Anton Muscatelli, principal and vice chancellor, University of Glasgow, will chair the group, which will advise the Scottish Government on ways to secure Scotland’s relationship with the EU.

It is comprised of specialists in legal, financial, business and diplomatic matters.

Before Frost joined the SWA, he acted as director of Europe, Trade and International Affairs at the UK Government’s Department of Business Innovation and Skill (BIS) and was previously ambassador to Denmark, as well as director for both strategy and the EU in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

“The country faces some significant challenges, and potential opportunities, in the months to come,” said Frost.

“Both as chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, representing an industry that is vital to economic growth and trade, and as a former ambassador and EU specialist, I’m delighted to contribute.

“Whatever our own views on the great questions of the day, it’s important we all work to ensure decisions are based on the best possible analysis and advice.”

On 23 June, 52% of voting UK public returned a decision for their nation to leave the European Union, with 48% voting to remain.

Members of the international drinks trade warned of “significant uncertainty” following the referendum, which has created “serious issues” that will require “urgent attention”.

Ahead of the vote, drinks group executives and trade leaders largely advocated a vote to remain, claiming the UK’s membership in the EU boosts investment, jobs and growth due to access to the single market and international fair trade agreements.

Since Scotland returned a majority vote of 62% to remain, Sturgeon has said a fresh vote on Scottish independence is “highly likely” since it is “democratically unacceptable” for the country to be removed from the EU against its will.

Scotland held a referendum on independence from the UK in September 2014, returning a ‘no’ vote. The drinks trade largely supported the vote, claiming this brings “stability” to the industry, particularly Scotch whisky.

“We now need to set out and evaluate all the impacts of the referendum result and all of the options open to Scotland to secure our relationship with the EU,” said Sturgeon. “The Council draws on a breadth and wealth of knowledge and experience, comprising specialists with backgrounds in business, finance, economics, European and diplomatic matters, and it will encompass a range of political and constitutional opinions.

“Members will consider the impact of proposed changes to the UK’s relationship with the EU on Scottish interests and advise ministers throughout our negotiations on the best way to secure Scottish interests and objectives.”