Tories criticised for post-Brexit pints of wine boast as financial system ‘on its knees’
The Tories have been criticised for boasting about post-Brexit freedoms that imply the UK can promote pints of wine whereas the financial system is “on its knees” and public companies “at breaking point”.
Ministers at this time introduced pint dimension wine will likely be stocked on Britain’s cabinets subsequent 12 months “because of new freedoms from leaving the European Union“. Still and glowing wine are to be offered in 200ml, 500ml and 568ml ‘pint’ sizes in 2024, with 900 British vineyards set to profit.
But General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress Paul Nowak savaged the Tories for bragging in regards to the “swings and roundabouts” advantages of Brexit whereas the nation stays in disaster. The UK is at present susceptible to recession after figures final week confirmed the financial system shrank between July and September, whereas NHS ready lists stay at file highs.
After a 12 months of continuous strike motion as employees plead for higher working situations, Mr Nowak stated: “The economy is on its knees. Public services at breaking point. Real wages lower than they were 15 years ago. But fear not, the government’s much vaunted Brexit freedoms mean we can now buy wine in pint bottles. So, swings and roundabouts.”
Announcing that pubs, golf equipment and eating places will now promote pints of wine, Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business Kevin Hollinrake stated: “Innovation, freedom and choice – that’s what today’s announcement gives to producers and consumers alike. Our exit from the EU was all about moments just like this, where we can seize new opportunities and provide a real boost to our great British wineries and further growing the economy.”
Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB stated: “We welcome the chance to be able to harmonise still and sparkling bottle sizes and we are happy to raise a glass to the greater choice that allows UK producers for domestic sales.”
Pint bottles of Champagne have been offered within the UK earlier than Britain joined the European Common Market and have been on cabinets till 1973. But their manufacturing ceased as they didn’t adjust to EU weights and measures guidelines.
The Government stated this was an “optional reform” by way of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023. It stated the Windsor Framework additionally implies that newly packaged wine will be capable of be offered by bars, eating places and retailers in Northern Ireland – with merchandise capable of transfer in what is called the retail “Green Lane”, beneath the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme.
