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UK Wine Industry
21 January 2026
Lead MP
Tristan Osborne
Chatham and Aylesford
Lab
Responding Minister
Dame Angela Eagle
Tags
EducationEconomyTaxationEmploymentBrexit
Word Count: 3421
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Tristan Osborne raised concerns about uk wine industry in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks for government support in areas like wine tourism duty relief, skills development through agricultural colleges, and addressing anomalies in packaging regulations.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The UK wine sector has grown significantly over the past decade with a 123% increase in vineyard numbers to 1,030 in 2024. The 2025 harvest is expected to produce around 15 million to 16 million bottles, potentially the second largest harvest ever in UK history. Despite this success, there are challenges such as tax thresholds and regulatory issues that hinder innovation.
Alex Mayer
Lab
Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
Discussed innovations in wine packaging with his constituency's ecoSIP company facing regulatory barriers for selling 125 ml containers, questioning the Minister about potential solutions.
Mid Sussex
Emphasised the importance of Plumpton College's commitment to wine sector training and advocated for government support in skill development within rural economies.
Henley and Thame
Welcomed Hendred Vineyard's participation at the 'Taste of Oxfordshire' event and highlighted the quality of English sparkling wine, suggesting MPs purchase it instead of champagne.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
Highlighted Somerset's winemaker Smith & Evans and the challenges faced by growers with tax thresholds hindering innovation, urging the government to justify cumulative cost burdens of glass packaging.
Government Response
Dame Angela Eagle
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs
Government Response
Congratulations were given to the MP for championing the UK’s growing wine industry. The UK is a major trade hub for wine, both as importer and exporter, with domestic wines earning high reputation through exceptional quality shown by nine gold medals at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London. Despite challenges like rising costs and tariffs, the Government intends to support growth through partnership with the industry. Exports of domestic wines are gaining momentum; English and Welsh wines now ship to 45 countries with exports more than doubling their share of total sales from 2021 to 2024. The Government supports WineGB in boosting the global profile of English and Welsh sparkling wine through trade deals, simplifying customs procedures, and committing at least £200 million through to 2030 to support viticulture. On single-serve wine portions, the Minister welcomes data on cellar door relief and packaging reforms for a circular economy. The Government also commits to upskilling the workforce with Skills England and Department for Education.
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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.