Moray MP Douglas Ross has hailed the “incredible” impact of the whisky industry on his constituency at Prime Minister’s Questions.
Douglas used the weekly slot to highlight the Scotch Whisky Economic Impact report which was released this week showing that the whisky industry now contributes £7.1 billion to the UK economy.
The report also revealed that one in nine jobs in Douglas’ Moray constituency are linked to the production of Scotch whisky, with Moray also having the most distilleries of any UK constituency.
Douglas also used his question to press Rishi Sunak to deliver further support for the industry at the Spring Budget in March, following the duty freeze – which Douglas lobbied for – announced in the Autumn Statement by Jeremy Hunt.
In response, Rishi Sunak described Douglas as a “superb ambassador” for Moray and Scotch whisky and that he is “proud” of the UK Government’s track record on supporting the industry.
Douglas added that he will continue to stand up for local distilleries and the jobs Scotch whisky supports at every opportunity.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to highlight this report during Prime Minister Question’s which shows the importance of Scotch Whisky to the Scottish and wider UK economy.
“With one in nine jobs in Moray linked to the production of whisky, it is a remarkable success story for our area and it continues to have an incredible impact on our local economy.
“It was good to have the opportunity to urge the Prime Minister to deliver further support for the industry.
“The Chancellor listened to my lobbying for a freeze on whisky duty in the Autumn Statement and I hope that further support will be forthcoming in his Spring Budget and beyond.
“I am always proud to stand up for our whisky industry given its importance to Moray and I will continue to do so.”