WSTA sets out key aims ahead of general election

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has launched its manifesto of what it will be fighting for in the run up to the General Election, prioritising tariff free trade with the EU and reversing the “excessively high duty burden” placed on UK businesses and consumers.

Miles Beale

Ahead of the UK General Election on 8 June, the WSTA is urging all political parties to pledge their support to the UK wine and spirit industry by addressing five key concerns.

Brexit will of course play a huge role in the coming months as negotiations proceed, with the WSTA calling for the promotion of free-trade deals to ensure a smooth transition for wine and spirits business as the UK works to leave the EU. The UK’s “excessive tax regime” will also be a key priority, as is continued support for tackling alcohol harm.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and tax increases, the WSTA believes there is potential for the UK to continue the boom in British spirits exports it has achieved over the past five years, and reach new export markets around the world, if their concerns are addressed.

“This snap General Election provides a vital opportunity for the UK’s world leading wine and spirit industry,” said Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA.

“We need to communicate to new decision makers what has to be done to ensure that our industry can thrive in today’s new political, economic and social landscape. We will use our manifesto to help the incoming Members of Parliament understand our business needs. Following our lead a new government can help our industry to continue to grow, innovate and contribute to the already significant £50bn worth of economic activity and our ground breaking work to reduce alcohol harm.

“The WSTA will be working tirelessly to achieve our key aims: continued, tariff-free movement of wines and spirits to and from the EU; new, tariff-free trade agreements with priority countries outside the EU; and, equally, safe passage of our goods – with no additional checks or delays at borders, even once we have left the Customs Union.”

The WSTA’s key manifesto aims are as follows:-

1. Provide certainty to business via a well-managed Brexit, including sufficient transitional arrangements; and continue to work towards frictionless, tariff free trade with the EU;

2. Promote free trade with non-EU countries, working with the WSTA to develop the best deal for the wine and spirit trade and to promote British produce around the world;

3. Rebalance the excessively high duty burden on UK businesses and consumers by pledging to revise plans to increase wine and spirit duty by 26% (£1.9bn) over 5 years;

4. Support proven approaches to reducing alcohol harm through partnership working and self-regulation; and agree to a moratorium on further regulation;

5. Support the Great British wine and spirit industry by promoting sector deals, under an innovative industrial strategy: for wine and spirits, for food and drink and for British hospitality.