Carmichael backs Scotch Whisky Association manifesto proposals

Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Orkney and Shetland, Alistair Carmichael, has today [Monday] backed the manifesto proposals from the Scotch Whisky Association, ahead of a national election hustings co-hosted by the SWA this evening. The SWA’s manifesto calls for government to give further support to decarbonise the spirits industry, to deliver a permanent removal of tariffs on exports to the United States, and to bring spirits duty in the UK in line with the EU average by the end of the next Parliament.

In backing the proposals, Mr Carmichael noted the past success of cutting spirits duty while increasing tax income to the Treasury while the Liberal Democrats were in government – and the importance of distilling businesses to rural and island communities across the North of Scotland.

Mr Carmichael said:

“The proposals put forward by the Scotch Whisky Association are modest, reasonable and practical – backing them should be a no-brainer for anyone who cares for the economic success of our rural and island communities.

“Between the Tories hiking tax to record levels and the SNP proposing a legislative clampdown on spirits producers, neither of our parties of government have any credibility left to talk about supporting Scotch. Distilling communities across Scotland deserve better representation which will stand up for their needs and resist further tax hikes on spirits. 

“When I was in government we fought hard against the naysayers and delivered a cut in spirits duty. It was a massive boost for the industry and increased the money coming in to Treasury. That is what you can achieve when you have the political will.”

“This is an industry that is of critical importance to some of the most economically fragile communities in the country. Distillers are a pillar for our economy in the Highlands and Islands – we need to support their growth, not drag them down with ever-higher taxes.”