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English Whisky: Single Malt Definition
15 September 2026
Lead MP
Stephen Morgan
Portsmouth South
Lab
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Stephen Morgan raised concerns about english whisky: single malt definition in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Stephen Morgan highlighted the significance of the UK's whisky industry, particularly Scotch whisky, and its role in supporting jobs and investment across the UK. He announced the registration of English whisky as a protected geographical indication, noting that this decision recognises the growth of the sector with over 70 distilleries and 30 countries reached in exports. Morgan clarified that the registration does not alter the protected status, reputation, or production requirements of Scotch, Welsh, or Irish whisky. He mentioned his visit to Glen Garioch, an old Scottish distillery, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting and championing the entire whisky industry across the UK.
Question
Chamberlain raised concerns about the definition of English single malt whisky and the timing of the announcement. She questioned the potential risks to Scotch whisky's reputation and brand value, and inquired about the Government's discussions with the Scotland and Wales Offices and the implications for the UK Internal Market Act.
Minister reply
Morgan clarified that Scotch whisky's protected status, reputation, and production requirements remain unchanged. He emphasised that the Government remains committed to supporting the Scotch whisky industry and is willing to meet with Chamberlain to address any further concerns.
Question
Gemmell, acknowledging the concerns from the Scotch Whisky Association, inquired about the Government's commitment to promoting Scotch whisky internationally. He noted his constituency's involvement in whisky production and his past efforts to reduce whisky tariffs.
Minister reply
Morgan affirmed the Government's commitment to championing the Scottish whisky industry both domestically and internationally, highlighting recent successes such as securing a free trade deal with India and reducing US tariffs to boost export markets.
Harriet Cross
Lab
Thirsk and Malton
Question
Expressed concern over the impact of the new English whisky designation on the Scotch whisky industry, particularly the inconsistency in single-site production standards and the lack of engagement with the Scottish Government.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of the Scotch whisky industry and the previous Government's failure to address tariffs on single malt whisky exports to the US. Stressed that the Government will continue to engage with the sector to ensure that the Scotch whisky industry remains robustly protected.
Scott Arthur
Lab
North East Fife
Question
Asked about the impact of the decision on the Scotch whisky brand and market, and whether concerns were raised during the Minister's visit to the Aberdeenshire distillery.
Minister reply
Reassured that Scotch whisky's reputation will remain robustly defended and confirmed that he will continue to engage with the sector to understand and address issues and concerns.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Highlighted the quality of English whisky and the importance of fair criteria for GI status, urging the Minister to reconsider the proposed criteria and appeal period.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the issues raised and stated that GI status will support producers in strengthening their brand, attracting investment, and competing internationally. The Minister will take these issues back to the Department for consideration.
Terry Jermy
Con
North Norfolk
Question
Celebrated the news for the English whisky industry and its positive impact on the farming community in his constituency.
Minister reply
Emphasised the significance of the measure in supporting the links between farming and distilling, ensuring that more value remains within the UK's rural communities.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Question
Expressed concern about the differentiation of standards and requested reassurance that the appropriate high standards will be protected.
Minister reply
Reassured that the decision will have no impact on the standards set by other UK whiskies and will take the points back to the Department for further consideration.
Chris Kane
Lab
Glasgow North East
Question
Asked about the Government's support for the Scotch whisky industry and its continued success, including its global export opportunities.
Minister reply
Reassured that the Government remains committed to backing and supporting the continued success of the Scotch whisky industry as a top global export.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
Questioned the reasoning behind removing the requirement for the whole process to be carried out on a single site, and whether it would be better to have a consistent definition of a single malt whisky.
Minister reply
Reassured that nothing has changed in terms of the protected status reputation or production requirements of Scotch whisky. The rules and requirements for English whisky are determined by the English Whisky Guild and comply with UK legislation.
Douglas Lumsden
Con
Einburgh Pentlands
Question
Asked about the definition of Scotch single malt whisky and whether it would be better to have a consistent definition of a single malt whisky.
Minister reply
Explained that the rules and requirements for English whisky and its sub-categories, including single malt, are determined by the product specification produced by the English Whisky Guild and are compliant with all applicable UK legislation.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll and Bute
Question
My constituency produces the finest single malt Scotch whisky. From Isla, Jura, Campbeltown, Oban, Mull and Ardnamurchan, centuries of craft have gone into building that hard-earned reputation. This decision to allow lower production standards for English single malt whisky undermines that. Why have the Government allowed lower standards in England? What safeguards are they putting in place to protect the hard-earned reputation and integrity of Scotch malt whisky?
Minister reply
It is not a binary choice. We can support English whisky and Scotch whisky, and I stress that we are supporting the growth of the whisky industry. It is hugely important for this Government, and that is evident in the recent international work that we have undertaken—the India free trade agreement slashed tariff rates for UK whisky exports from 150% to 75%, and we have worked with the US as well. The Government have invested significantly in the whisky industry. With China, we are agreeing to cut tariffs on Scotch whisky from 10% to 5%, and we will continue to take action to support the Scottish industry.
Question
Can the Minister tell distillers in Scotland, like those who invested £12 million in the Port of Leith distillery in Edinburgh to achieve the prize Scottish single malt label, which I visited with the Scottish Affairs Committee earlier this year, why English producers will be able to use the same single malt label without playing by the same rules?
Minister reply
I refer the hon. Lady to my previous answer with regard to the issues around single malt. I am very happy to take away the concerns that she has raised.
Shadow Comment
Wendy Chamberlain
Shadow Comment
Wendy Chamberlain, chair of the Scotch whisky all-party parliamentary group, expressed concerns over the definition of English single malt whisky which only requires distillation at a single distillery rather than all stages of production. She warned that this could disadvantage Scotch producers who have invested in traditional single-site production models. Chamberlain questioned the timing of the announcement and the implications for consumer confidence and brand value. She also inquired about discussions with the Scotland and Wales Offices and the assessment of the decision's impact on the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020.
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