Scotch Whisky: Protected Status
Thursday, 22 October 2026
Contributions
Douglas McAllister (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab)Labour
10. What assessment she made of the potential impact of the definition of single malt included in the English whisky geographical indication on Scotch whisky’s protected status.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Stephen Morgan)Labour
Scotch whisky is a national treasure and I am pleased to inform my hon. Friend that its protected status and production requirements remain unchanged following the registration of English whisky geographical indication.
The Department has recently confirmed that English producers who do not comply with the English whisky GI can still call their products single malt, leading to the possibility of three single malts, with three differing production processes, being on the shelves as a result of that decision. How does that align with the Minister’s previous statement, asserting that the definition of single malt whisky will not be watered down?
The English whisky GI has no effect on single malt Scotch whisky, which retains its own definition, as set out in the Scotch whisky product specification and Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009. Other whisky definitions, including Welsh, Irish and EU definitions, already co-exist with the Scotch whisky definition without affecting its protected status.
Seamus Logan (Aberdeenshire North and Moray East) (SNP)Scottish National Party
I hear the Minister saying that the decision had no impact, but in a written response to a question from a colleague recently, the Minister failed to clarify whether an impact assessment had been carried out. Will he confirm whether such an impact assessment was carried out and its impact on the Scotch whisky industry?
We recognise that stakeholders may have different views, and legislation provides a process for objections and appeals. I understand that the Scotch Whisky Association has appealed to the first tier tribunal; the matter will be determined in due course. I say politely to the hon. Member that due process has been followed, and rigorous scrutiny processes have been adhered to.
Source: UK Parliament Hansard API. Debate ID: 5423135.