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?
I met with Liz Truss, the Secretary of State for International Trade to discuss the serious impact that US tariffs will have on cashmere / textiles and Scotch whisky.
— John Lamont MP 🏴🇬🇧 (@John2Win) October 15, 2019
I know @GOVUK are working incredibly hard to get this sorted or at least delayed. pic.twitter.com/n0ujTyhhTh
House of Commons “members only” tearoom.
— Peter Grant MP (@PeterGrantMP) October 15, 2019
READ MORE: John Lamont panned on Twitter for attack on Nicola Sturgeon
READ MORE: Tory MP defends MSP expense claims of £168,000 over five years
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.
READ MORE: Ministers respond to Scotch whisky tariff war with Trump
READ MORE: Fact Check: Liz Truss’s claims just don’t add up
Observers on social media weren’t entirely convinced by Lamont’s meeting either.
SNP MP Stewart McDonald confirmed the location.
That’s the tearoom. They’ve stopped for a photo in the MP canteen. https://t.co/6fcg4dFVgW
— Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) October 15, 2019
In a somewhat lacklustre retort, Lamont claimed it was a “tea room surgery”.
It’s called a Tea Room Surgery.
— John Lamont MP 🏴🇬🇧 (@John2Win) October 15, 2019
Quite regular for those MPs who actually engage with government ministers on behalf of constituents.
MSP Paul Wheelhouse pointed out a distinct lack of note taking and issued a rallying cry for his SNP colleague Callum Kerr.
#John2Lose is taking people of the Borders for fools by presenting a chance meeting in the tearoom as a formal ministerial meeting. Looks like the Liz Truss noted nothing down, & he brought zero briefing. Can’t wait to get rid of this charlatan & replace him with @CalumRKerr ! https://t.co/qKGMqvF3rH
— Paul Wheelhouse MSP🏴 (@PaulWheelhouse) October 16, 2019
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...
My bet is not much more than, "sure John, come in and you can get a photo".
— Calum Kerr (@CalumRKerr) October 15, 2019
Here are a few more of the best responses:
The Secretary of State is expected to update her status on the matter from 'disappointed' to 'slightly peeved' after the crucial meeting in the canteen. https://t.co/1f3rJKrxhe
— Sarah Mackie (@lumi_1984) October 16, 2019
Aye, the most important meeting happen in the canteen.
— John Mollins (@AlbasArachnid) October 15, 2019
Did you have salt & pepper in that meeting?
— Robert Macintyre (@RobertTyreBute) October 15, 2019
So they discussed the 'serious impact' of international trade on the Scottish/UK economy over a taxpayer funded cup of tea.
— Finn (@matelotfin) October 15, 2019
Yes, I can see how seriously that issue has been approached.
Give me strength.
"Hi Liz. Can I get a photy with you when you're passing my table in the canteen? It'll make it look like we had a really important meeting. I'll try & hide the salt & pepper under a napkin". https://t.co/Q18tW5mFVt
— Robert Macintyre (@RobertTyreBute) October 15, 2019
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel