UK Business Secretary Urged to Address Haggis Export Scandal

Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael has called out the Business Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, to address the scandalous ban on haggis export to the United States. Carmichael expressed concerns that failure to resolve this issue may tarnish Badenoch’s reputation as the ‘cowrin, tim’rous beastie’, referencing poet Robert Burns on Burns Night. The ban on haggis, an iconic Scottish dish, was imposed in the US in 1971 due to the inclusion of sheep lungs in its traditional recipe.

Carmichael, who represents Orkney and Shetland, exclaimed in the House of Commons, ‘Is it not a scandal that the only way you can get the ‘great chieftain o’ the puddin-race’ exported into the United States is if you send the vegetarian version?’ He urged Badenoch to prioritize resolving this issue and include it in the government’s 18-point action plan for trade.

In response, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch seemed perplexed and stated, ‘I thank Mr. Carmichael for his very esoteric question. We are actively working towards removing trade barriers with the US and have seen increased trade between the two countries. If Mr. Carmichael provides me with specific details, I would be glad to address the matter in detail.’