House of Commons · Westminster Hall
12 February 2025 · 11 other contributors · 4,328 words
Opened by Graham Leadbitter SNP Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Responding minister: Daniel Zeichner
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Graham Leadbitter raised concerns about support for the scotch whisky industry in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The hon. Member asks for continued support from the UK Government on securing beneficial free trade agreements and strengthening existing trade relationships with key markets like India and the United States.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Scotch whisky contributes £7.1 billion in gross value added to the UK economy, supporting 41,000 jobs across Scotland and more than 25,000 elsewhere. The industry faces challenges such as past tariffs due to US trade policies and potential future barriers under a new regime in the White House.
The debate highlights the importance of supporting Scotch whisky, a vital export for Scotland with significant employment benefits in constituencies like Paisley and Renfrewshire North. Alison pledges to support this industry.
Acknowledged the debate's importance and thanked contributors. Emphasised the Scotch whisky industry's role in the UK’s economy, with exports reaching almost £6 billion in 2023. The MP outlined measures to reduce business costs and simplify alcohol duty administration, including savings of £6.5 million annually for spirits producers by abolishing the alcohol duty stamp scheme.
The hon. Member welcomes the Government’s decision to give Scotch whisky protected status in Brazil, expecting an export boost of £25 million and supporting further trade barrier removals. Stressed the importance of Scotch whisky to job creation and welcomed Budget measures introduced by the Government to address long-standing issues such as duty stamps and fees for verification schemes.
Praised Scotch whisky as a symbol of Scotland’s heritage and economy, highlighting support from the Government to remove trade barriers.
The hon. Member highlights the importance of Scotch whisky in his constituency, mentioning the globally recognised Hinch distillery and its contribution to local economies.
The SNP has prioritised vanity projects over economic development, leading to Scotland lagging behind the UK in productivity indicators. The Scottish Government’s slow response to support whisky industry growth is highlighted.
The right hon. Gentleman urges the Government to prepare a strategy in case tariffs are reimposed on Scotch whisky due to US trade policies.
The hon. Member supports Ministers' efforts to open new markets for Scotch whisky in Brazil and advocates for the InchDairnie distillery's rye whisky brand to be supported.
The hon. Member mentions Baileys produced in his constituency and notes the challenges faced by Irish and Scottish whisky, emphasizing the need for government support.
The hon. Member questions the Prime Minister's commitment to supporting Scotch producers while enforcing high excise duties, suggesting a need for action.
The hon. Member credits UK Government efforts on exports but criticises the refusal to change spirits duty set by a previous government, leading to Treasury losses. Asked about the need for conversations with the US Administration regarding ex-bourbon casks, vital for producing whisky.
Government Response
Daniel ZeichnerThe Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs
Acknowledged the industry's success and commitment to quality. Announced support measures including up to £5 million investment in reducing costs for distillers, ending mandatory duty stamps, and working on 29 markets for increased access. Addressed challenges such as the need for ex-bourbon casks and trade barriers.