With less than a month to go until the UK goes to the polls, politicians are being asked to stand up for a Great British and Scottish industry, by showing their support for Scotch whisky.
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| The Scotch Whisky Association calls on politicians to support Scotch |
The Scotch Whisky Association, says industry success must not be taken for granted and that such backing is vital for a sector that makes a substantial contribution to the UK economy and society.
The trade body has set out six manifesto pledges to boost the Scotch Whisky industry:
• Advocate
for review of the excise duty system and fairer tax for Scotch - to address the
punitive near-80% tax on an average priced bottle of whisky, the SWA believes
there is an urgent need for reform to introduce a fairer system that taxes all
alcoholic drinks on the same basis according to alcohol content.
• Support
Scotch exports by delivering on the industry's Brexit priorities through
ambitious trade deals and robust IP protection - with Scotch shipments worth
more than a fifth of total UK food and drink exports, the Government should
support this overseas success to encourage even more growth. Scotch should be
an integral part of any food and drink promotion, with the success of the
industry a litmus test of the success of Brexit.
• Promote a
competitive business environment for distillers - The UK and Scottish
Governments should work together to ensure the industry and its supply chain
flourish. It is vital that Scotland is at least as competitive as the rest of
the UK. A 'rural first' policy should be implemented when digital
infrastructure is upgraded to help address the historic infrastructure gap.
• Work in
partnership to reduce alcohol misuse - Tackling alcohol misuse is a complex
issue and needs a multi-stakeholder partnership approach, based on robust
evidence. Industry is committed to playing its part, through initiatives such
as the Scotch Whisky Action Fund.
• Target
reform supporting investment in sustainability - The industry is committed to
protecting the natural environment and the circular economy, supporting by its
ambitious Environmental Strategy. But regulation reform is needed to encourage
more sustainability. It must be balanced, consistent and transparent.
• Support
Scotch Whisky through the UK industrial strategy - The SWA is calling for a
sector deal as part of the strategy to secure its place as a world-leading
industry.
Commenting
on the news, Julie Hesketh-Laird, SWA acting chief executive, said: "We
are making a call for all candidates and political parties to show their
support for Scotch Whisky - a strategically important industry for our economy.
The continued success of the Scotch Whisky industry must not be taken for
granted."
She went on
to say: "With ongoing Brexit uncertainty, the Scotch Whisky industry needs
government action that matches its warm words and that enables the industry to
grasp the challenges and opportunities which lies ahead. Support at home is
needed to underpin and maintain our position as the world's leading spirit
drink."
Scotch whisky adds almost £5 billion a year in value; generates more than £4bn in exports; supports more than 40,000 jobs and spends £1.7bn on its largely UK-based supply chain.
Posted by Steve Rush