An SNP MP is calling on the UK government to “outline a clear
timetable for completion of the review on alcohol duty”, set to
be debated in Parliament today (Thursday, 25 February).
Brendan O’Hara MP, chair of Westminster’s APPG on Scotch whisky,
is calling on to deliver a clear route map following a devastating
financial year for the industry – due to high US tariffs as a
result of Brexit.
The UK government’s failure to resolve the issue adds to a
growing list of broken promises made to Scotland by the Prime
Minister following the agreement of his botched, Brexit deal last
year.
The UK’s Scotch whisky export has been reduced by a staggering
22.6% in 2020 – with losses exceeding £500 million.
Commenting, the MP for Argyll and Bute said:
“The whisky industry employs 11,000 people in Scotland - with
over 7,000 of those from rural areas. This clearly highlights the
importance of the industry to Scotland.
“The financial loss that our whisky exports has faced is
eye-watering and simply not sustainable. It is of vital
importance that the UK government take action immediately.
“Sadly, this is just the latest in a long line of issues that has
been created as a result of Brexit. The Tories dragged Scotland
out of a major trading bloc - against our will - making our
position weaker. It would seem the UK government is wilfully
ignoring the fact that industries like the Scottish whisky
industry are on their knees.
“Boris Johnson assured us that he would find a solution to this
crisis – his government even claimed that it was their ‘top
priority’. By failing to act, they have reaffirmed their position
that Scotland and its industries aren’t a priority.
“If the Tories are serious about protecting our whisky industry,
they must deliver a clear timetable of completion of the review
on alcohol duty.”
ENDS
