Moray MP Douglas Ross has reiterated his calls for the UK Government to provide a good deal for Scotch Whisky in the upcoming Budget.
Douglas called for reassurances during Scottish questions in the House of Commons earlier today from the Rt Hon Mel Stride MP, Secretary to the Treasury.
Douglas said: “In the last five years the Scotch Whisky Industry has invested over £500 million in capital projects across the country which is why I want to make sure that we get a good deal for Scotch Whisky in the budget.
“The new Macallan distillery in Speyside, for example, cost £140m and the industry is a big investor and employer in Moray.”
Douglas has repeatedly spoken up for the Scotch Whisky industry. He took the opportunity earlier in the year to seek action by the Government to protect Scotch Whisky’s protected GI (Geographical Indicator) status and highlight whisky’s importance to the UK’s export market and to the economy of Moray after the UK leaves the EU. He has also been working to secure the Moray Growth deal which would provide an additional boost to the industry and the wider region.
Douglas said: “I will continue to press ministers in the future so we get the strongest deal and work towards the best possible outcomes for the industry going forward.
“Scotch Whisky is one of the UK’s greatest exports and it is vital that the forthcoming budget recognises this and supports the industry. I am calling for the Chancellor to freeze the duty on Scotch Whisky and will continue to make this case right up until budget day later this month.”