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Standing Up for Scotch Whisky
This week, I secured an Urgent Question in the House of Commons to challenge the Government over a decision that has caused significant concern across the Scotch whisky industry.
As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Scotch Whisky, I felt it was vital to bring ministers to the Chamber and ask them to explain why DEFRA has approved a new definition of English Single Malt Whisky that allows English producers to use the "single malt" label under different production rules from those required of Scotch whisky producers.
Let me be clear: this is not about opposing English whisky or preventing English producers from securing Geographical Indication status. England has a growing and exciting whisky industry that deserves recognition. However, consumers around the world understand single malt whisky to mean a spirit produced entirely at one distillery. That understanding has been built over generations and is central to the reputation of Scotch whisky.
Scotch producers must adhere to stringent rules in order to earn the prestigious single malt label. Distilleries across North East Fife, including Kingsbarns, Eden Mill, Daftmill and Lindores, have invested heavily to meet these standards. It is only right that producers using the same description are held to equivalent requirements.
Scotch whisky is one of Scotland's most successful export industries. It supports jobs, attracts tourism and drives investment in communities across the country. Any decision that risks weakening the reputation of single malt whisky or creating an uneven playing field for producers deserves proper scrutiny.
I was also concerned by the timing of the Government's announcement. The decision was published at 5pm on a Friday before Parliament rose for recess, leaving MPs with very limited opportunity to scrutinise it before the appeal deadline of 8 October. Given the potential implications for one of our most important industries, that is simply not good enough.
During the Urgent Question, MPs from across the House highlighted the concerns being raised by distillers and the wider industry. My Liberal Democrat colleague Susan Murray MP also challenged ministers on why English producers would be permitted to use the same single malt label without being required to meet the same standards as their Scottish counterparts.
The purpose of securing the Urgent Question was straightforward: to ensure this decision is properly examined before the appeal deadline and to give the Government an opportunity to explain its reasoning. Parliament has a responsibility to scrutinise decisions that could have far-reaching consequences for businesses, jobs and Scotland's international reputation.
I hope ministers carefully consider the concerns that have been raised and take steps to rectify this decision. Protecting the integrity of single malt whisky is not just about defending a label. It is about safeguarding a world-renowned industry that has spent centuries building its reputation and continues to be a source of pride and prosperity for communities across Scotland.
For me, this is about ensuring that the standards which have made Scotch whisky respected around the globe are upheld for the future.
