The National:

THE Tories pride themselves on efficiency.

They have successfully turbo-charged independence movements in Scotland and Wales, as well as condensing decades-worth of political turmoil into three years since the Brexit referendum.

Upholding that noble tradition is Scottish Conservative John Lamont.

In fact, the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP adhered so closely to the principle of efficiency that he has seemingly combined vital trade talks with International Secretary Liz Truss with a visit to the House of Commons "members only" tearoom.

And where better to discuss the potentially disastrous impact of US trade tariffs on Scottish exports than the tearoom?

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The US has been given the green light to impose tariffs on up to $7.5 billion of EU goods.

Donald Trump’s administration is targeting cheeses, cashmere sweaters, dairy products, pork, books and single malt Scotch whisky.

Scotch Whisky Association chief executive Karen Betts described the news as a “blow to the industry”.

After his high-level talks, Lamont concluded: “I know @GOVUK are working incredibly hard to get this sorted or at least delayed.”

That’ll reassure Scottish businesses.

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Observers on social media weren’t entirely convinced by Lamont’s meeting either.

SNP MP Stewart McDonald confirmed the location.

In a somewhat lacklustre retort, Lamont claimed it was a “tea room surgery”.

MSP Paul Wheelhouse pointed out a distinct lack of note taking and issued a rallying cry for his SNP colleague Callum Kerr.

Wheelhouse added: "If he is concerned about the impact of trade sanctions on Cashmere, as I am, then why on Earth has #John2Lose voted against preventimg a No Deal Brexit scenario, that would involve massive damage to the textiles industry by removing preferential access to EU & many other markets?"

Kerr also queried the meeting’s legitimacy...

Here are a few more of the best responses: