Andy Burnham MP appointed as UK Prime Minister

Commenting on the election of Andy Burnham MP as the UK’s new Prime Minister, Chief Executive of the SWA Mark Kent said: 

“We congratulate Andy Burnham MP on becoming Prime Minister, and look forward to working with him and his ministerial team.

“As the UK’s biggest food and drink export, worth more than £7bn to the economy, Scotch Whisky businesses and their supply chain are key to UK growth at home and on the world stage. Scotch supports tens of thousands of jobs in communities throughout Scotland and across the UK, and has an extensive UK supply chain from the farmers growing the cereals, to the pubs, bars and restaurants serving drams and cocktails. It is also a huge driver for tourism across Scotland.

“We are grateful for the support the UK government has given us internationally, with the UK-India free trade agreement having now entered into force, and the lifting of US tariffs imminent. With increasing pressures on our production base, we look to the new PM and his team to support Scotch Whisky in our domestic market. This in turn will strengthen our world-class hospitality sector, for whom spirits make up a third of profits: with a review of the alcohol duty system now underway, the new administration has the opportunity to ensure that Scotch producers can play their part in reinvigorating the hospitality sector with a reduction of the tax burden on spirits.

“A new chapter for UK Government leadership is an important moment to ensure Scotland’s national drink can fully contribute to the growth agenda, boosting our UK-wide supply chain and delivering continued economic strength for Scotland and the UK.”

ENDS