The SNP has said it is leading efforts to protect Scotland’s whisky industry after tabling an amendment at Westminster aimed at blocking a proposed tax increase on Scotch whisky producers.
Graham Leadbitter, the MP for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey, said the move was necessary to protect an industry that sits at the heart of the local and national economy.
The Speyside constituency is home to around a third of Scotland’s whisky distilleries, many of which support local jobs, supply chains and communities across the north of Scotland.
The amendment follows the UK Labour Government’s decision to increase alcohol duty in line with inflation in the most recent budget, rather than reversing previous tax rises on whisky.
The move came despite pre election pledges from Keir Starmer to support Scottish whisky producers following a visit to InchDairnie distillery.
Industry figures have previously warned that repeated duty increases risk damaging one of Scotland’s most successful export sectors.
The Scotch Whisky Association has described the tax approach as a hammer blow to the industry and a breach of earlier commitments.
Analysis by the association showed that after whisky duty was raised in 2023, Treasury revenues fell by nearly £300 million rather than increased.
Despite that, further duty rises have been introduced.
The SNP has contrasted Westminster’s approach with efforts by Scotland’s First Minister to protect the industry internationally.
John Swinney has held talks with the President of the United States, the US Ambassador to the UK, and lawmakers from both major US parties, alongside representatives from the Scotch whisky and Kentucky bourbon industries, in an effort to ease tariff pressures.
Commenting, Graham Leadbitter said:
“In stark contrast to Labour’s attacks on Scotch Whisky the SNP is leading from the front to protect our world class industry.
“Scotch Whisky isn’t just a great drink that’s beloved the world over, it’s the lifeblood of our local economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs across Scotland.
“Rather than supporting and cherishing that, Labour has instead put the industry over a barrel with a punitive tax hike that’s as economically illiterate as it is offensive.
“Scotch Whisky isn’t a cash cow for Westminster to milk anytime it desperately needs funds, it’s a unique Scottish success story and an important cornerstone of our history and culture.
“Our amendment will block Labour from imposing yet another damaging tax hike on Scotch Whisky producers at a critical time when they’re being hammered by US tariffs, and MPs of all parties should put whisky before politics and support it.
“And Keir Starmer could learn some lessons from John Swinney who has fought tooth and nail to protect Scotch Whisky from US tariffs, taking the case all the way to the Oval Office and raising the matter at every opportunity with the US President.
“I hope that every single Scottish MP joins with the SNP in supporting this vital industry.”
