A LABOUR minister has defended the UK Government’s decision to grant English whisky protected status, bringing it in line with produce from Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Environment, food and rural affairs minister Stephen Morgan faced criticism from MPs on Tuesday over the definition of English whisky, with some arguing it dilutes Scotch whisky’s brand value.
Scotch single malt whisky must be mashed, fermented, and distilled at a single distillery in Scotland.
However, this is not mandatory for English single malt under its Geographical Indication (GI) status, with some steps allowed to take place away from the primary site.
In the House of Commons, North East Fife MP Wendy Chamberlain said this “risks disadvantaging Scotch producers who have invested heavily to comply with the traditional single-site production model”.
The LibDem, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Scotch Whisky, added: “Scotch whisky is also one of the UK’s most important export industries – supporting jobs, investment, tourism, and economic growth across rural communities.
“Weakening an internationally recognised definition risks damaging consumer confidence and diluting brand value at a time when the Scotch whisky industry is not in the root health.”
Morgan replied: “Scotch whisky’s protected status, reputation, and production requirements are unchanged, and the English definition of single malt has no impact on how single malt is made in Scotland.
“The Government remains committed to supporting the success of the Scotch whisky industry and the wider UK whisky sector.”
During the urgent question session, he later added: “It’s not a binary choice. You can support English whisky and support Scottish whisky, and I think it’s worth stressing we are supporting the growth of the whisky industry.”
Scott Arthur, Labour MP for Edinburgh South West, said there are “real concerns”, adding: “The sector in Scotland is 100 times bigger than the sector in England, and if it is going to grow, I do wonder what the target market is if it’s not people who are currently drinking Scottish whisky.”
Morgan said he would continue to engage with the sector to make sure it can “flourish”.
There are more than 70 distilleries producing English whisky, with bottles exported to more than 30 countries, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The National told how Scottish whisky distillers reacted with fury to the decision to grant English whisky protected status.
The Scotch Whisky Association, which represents 90 companies including major producers such as Diageo and Glenmorangie, said it is "profoundly concerned" by the decision.
SWA chief executive Mark Kent He said the rules put “established practice and long-standing industry traditions” at risk, adding that “the definition of single malt would undermine” single malt Scotch whisky.
