Scottish Secretary David Mundell announces business taskforce

A former Scotland Office minister is to lead a new business taskforce to help advise the UK Government on economic and industrial policy.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell announced he had commissioned Lord Dunlop to chair a group of business and economic experts.

Lord Dunlop was given a peerage by David Cameron in 2015, allowing him to take on the role of Scotland Office minister, but announced he was to bow out of the government following the snap General Election in June.

Mr Mundell said: “The UK Government's new Scottish business taskforce will provide expert advice and guidance on how best to strengthen Scotland's economy.

“We know that Scotland's economic performance lags behind the rest of UK, and we need to close that gap.

“As we develop our ambitious industrial strategy and negotiate new trade deals with Europe and around the world, this expert panel will provide insight from a range of Scottish business sectors.''

The Scottish Secretary made the announcement in advance of a visit to Paraguay and Argentina to promote Scottish business interests and build on cultural and educational links.

He added: “As we are prepare to leave the EU, we want to build and strengthen our trade relationships with friends and partners old and new, and I am certain Scottish companies will be at the forefront of this.

“Scotland's skills, products and services are highly regarded globally, and we can build on that as we strike ambitious new trade deals around the world.

“I am travelling to South America this week to bang the drum for Scottish businesses, taking the message to these markets that Scotland's companies have the skills, products and expertise they need.'