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Support for the Scotch Whisky Industry
12 February 2025
Lead MP
Graham Leadbitter
Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
SNP
Responding Minister
Daniel Zeichner
Tags
Economy
Word Count: 4328
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Graham Leadbitter raised concerns about support for the scotch whisky industry in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Alison Taylor
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
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.
MP for South Cambridgeshire
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.
West Dunbartonshire
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.
Gregor Poynton
Lab
Livingston
Praised Scotch whisky as a symbol of Scotland’s heritage and economy, highlighting support from the Government to remove trade barriers.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Member highlights the importance of Scotch whisky in his constituency, mentioning the globally recognised Hinch distillery and its contribution to local economies.
Lillian Jones
Lab
Kilmarnock and Loudoun
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.
Orkney and Shetland
The right hon. Gentleman urges the Government to prepare a strategy in case tariffs are reimposed on Scotch whisky due to US trade policies.
Richard Baker
Lab
Glenrothes and Mid Fife
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.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
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.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
The hon. Member questions the Prime Minister's commitment to supporting Scotch producers while enforcing high excise duties, suggesting a need for action.
North East Fife
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 Zeichner
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs
Government Response
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.