‘No alternative’ but to engage with Trump, says Swinney
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The Scottish Government has “absolutely no alternative” but to deal with US President Donald Trump, John Swinney has said. The First Minister has stressed the importance of the relationship between Scotland and the US in recent weeks, ahead of Mr Trump’s return to the White House on Monday.
Following his inauguration, Mr Trump immediately signed dozens of executive orders, including declaring a national emergency at the southern US border due to the number of migrants coming across. Turning to immigration himself on Wednesday, Mr Swinney called for a bespoke system for Scotland, including a graduate visa that allows those who complete courses at Scottish universities to remain in the country.
Asked after the speech at financial giant JP Morgan in Glasgow whether different stances on things like immigration could strain the relationship with the US, Mr Swinney – who publicly backed Democrat Kamala Harris ahead of the US election in November – said: “President Trump has been elected, he will take decisions.
“His decisions will potentially have an effect on issues that matter to us. “I’ve made no secret of the fact that I am alert to the danger of (trade) tariffs and the danger that could do to the Scotch whisky industry, which is a significant generator of wealth and income and opportunity within Scotland.
