Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil has been re-elected as Chair of the International Trade Select Committee.

Mr MacNeil – who has chaired the Committee since 2017 and is the first SNP MP to be elected as a Select Committee Chair in an election by the whole House of Commons – says the issue of international trade is now more important than ever.

The International Trade Select Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine expenditure, administration and policy of the Department of International Trade and its associated bodies as well as scrutinising what they do.

Commenting on his re-election, Mr MacNeil said: “It is probably true to say that international trade has never been as important as it is now given that the UK is leaving the EU trading bloc, ending many of our current trade agreements with European partners – international trade will feature greatly in the months and years ahead.

“I have already had contact with the International Trade Department with a view to scrutinising trade bills going forward.

“We have to get this right, it’s not about political parties, it’s about the aerospace industry, pharmaceuticals, car manufacturers, food and drink exporters, the entertainment industry, the ceramics industry among many others.

“It is a huge honour to be re-elected as a Select Committee Chair in an election of the entire House of Commons.   I look forward to the challenges and the great opportunities of working with cross party colleagues to hold the Government to account, to drive the agenda forward and to try to make the best of the situation that we are in.”

ENDS