A GROUP of Scottish Labour MPs is calling on the UK Brexit Secretary to clarify whether fake Scotch whisky will be banned after Brexit.
The drink is protected by EU law through a geographical indication (GI) which outlaws imitation and sets specifications for the product.
The Brexit White Paper says the UK will establish its own GI scheme following Brexit, providing “continuous protection” for UK GIs. Labour said they are not convinced this will be consistent with the current position under EU law.
All of Scotland’s Labour MPs, except shadow Scottish secretary Lesley Laird, have signed a joint letter to Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab urging more clarity on the future of the scheme.
The letter highlights the fact food and drink exports make up the largest share of Scotland’s international exports at £5.5 billion in 2016, with whisky accounting for almost three quarters (73%) of this at £4bn. Labour claims the 160,000 jobs are industry directly and indirectly supported by the Scotch whisky industry.
Signatory Ged Killen added: “So many jobs are at stake that it is incredible the government has this far failed to provide the certainty which the Scotch whisky industry requires to plan for a post-Brexit future.
“The proposed two-year transition period is insufficient to provide reassurance and it is clear a proper framework which addresses the issue of GIs for the whole food and drink sector is needed to guarantee that those protections continue.”
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