SNP lay down budget challenge to PM during flying visit north
Prime Minister, , will come under pressure
today (Friday 1) to rethink his government’s 75% tax on bottles
of Scotch Whisky during a flying visit to Scotland.
Ahead of an expected trip to Moray - home to the Speyside Whisky
region that houses over 50 distilleries – the SNP has challenged
the Tory leader to reduce whisky duty by at least 5%.
The move could bring in an additional £318 million a year in tax
revenues according to analysis from the Scotch Whisky
Association.
Whisky accounts for 77% of Scottish food and drink exports,
supports more than 40,000 jobs in Scotland and generated well
over £6 billion in export sales in 2022.
Challenging the Prime Minister, the SNP’s Trade Spokesperson
said:
“Scotch Whisky is an iconic part of our culture and importantly
plays a huge role in Scotland’s economy – generating over £6
billion in export sales every year.
“It beggars belief that the Tories have slapped an eye-watering
75% tax on bottles of Scotch Whisky which support more than
40,000 jobs in Scotland.
“The Tory Whisky Tax is holding back growth in this globally
renowned industry and punishing local distilleries for paying
billions into the Treasury’s coffers.
“During his visit to Moray, must listen to the SNP, and
industry leaders, and commit to a reduction of at least 5% in the
Tory Whisky Tax at next week’s Spring Budget. Anything less will
be a betrayal of the Scotch Whisky industry.
“Ultimately, this is just another example of the Tories using
Scotland’s multi-billion-pound industries as a cash cow to line
the pockets of Whitehall departments – just look at the £400
billion of North Sea revenues taken by the Treasury with next to
nothing given back to local communities in the North East.
“At the upcoming election, voters have the opportunity to make
Scotland Tory free altogether by voting SNP for a fairer, more
prosperous Scotland.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
https://whiskybrokersassociates.co.uk/a-spirited-move-championing-a-spirits-duty-reduction/
https://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/insights/skills-and-inclusion/
