Highland and Moray MPs condemn plans for new English whisky GI status as Prime Minister urged to scrap proposal
Highland and Moray MPs are calling for the UK government to review plans to grant a controversial GI status to English single malt whisky which they fear will “sabotage” and “devalue” the Scotch Whisky industry.
Earlier today Graham Leadbitter, MP for Moray West, Nairn and Strathpey - a constituency representing almost 50 whisky distilleries - addressed Prime Minister Keir Starmer during PMQs, asking for the government to reverse to grant GI status to English single malt whiskies.
The proposals would see English whiskies operate under a different set of rules from Scotch, where to meet the definition of “single malt” a whisky must be created from malted barley that has been mashed, fermented and distilled at a single site.
Under new rules, an English whisky could be described as single malt as long as it is distilled at a single distillery, even if the base liquid is created elsewhere.
This has sparked concerns within the Scotch whisky industry, with the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) concerned the move would be “very damaging” for the reputation of single malt whisky from the UK - and by extension Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
When asked by Mr Leadbitter to scrap the proposal, the Prime Minister replied: “We do support Scotch whisky, it’s a very important part of our economy, and that’s why we allocated £5 million in the budget and why we are working with Brazil, which is worth £25 million for Scotch Whisky exports.
“It’s what we are doing to support industry and sectors in Scotland, and in addition to that, in another sector at the weekend I was very happy to announce a £200 million investment in Grangemouth, and the future for generations there.”
Commenting on Mr Starmer’s response, Mr Leadbitter, who is also vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Scotch whisky, said: “By refusing to rule out plans to change a well-established dictionary definition that contains a global recognition of the quality of a real Scottish single malt, Sir Keir Starmer is pulling the rug from Scotland’s whisky sector.
“Sir Keir Starmer should listen to the warnings from the industry, the Scottish Government, and from those across the political spectrum and immediately scrap these plans which are an act of sabotage on Scotland's world-class industry.
“The UK Labour Government has shown itself to be no friend to the industry, having previously imposed the highest level of excise duty on Scotch Whisky in the G7 despite a pre-election promise to back the sector ‘to the hilt' - Starmer has the chance to put that right and he must seize the opportunity to do so.
“Here in Scotland we are fortunate to be home to a product recognised around the world for its quality. We should show the same recognition and love for it that the rest of the world does which is why the SNP will always put Scotch Whisky first. It's time the Labour Party did too."
Lib Dem MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, Jamie Stone, also backed the concerns over the potential impact should the new regulations be adopted, highlighting the reputational damage it may cause to Scotch single malt.
He has tabled a parliamentary motion calling for the protection of the Scottish Single Malt Whisky category in light of a bid made by the English Whisky Guild for geographical indication.
He said: “Having been brought up on a small farm right next door to the great Glenmorangie distillery in Tain, this issue is rather personal.
“For all my life, the fame and status of a Scottish single malt whisky has brought pride to Scotland, revenue to the UK and high-quality jobs to remote parts of the Highlands.
“The English Whisky Guild’s Geographical Indication threatens all of this. Of course, a market for English Whisky exists - but this market should not encroach on the famous Scotch single malt.
“I will not stand by idly whilst our reputation and brand - which has taken centuries to cultivate - is co-opted by English manufacturers. I will do my utmost to protect and preserve it at all costs.
“Could you imagine Champagne producers in France allowing us to grow a fizzy wine in Scotland and then stick the Champagne label on it? I think not.
“Let us Scots take note from the French and stand up for what is rightly ours.”
