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WSTA expresses ‘confidence’ in new PM May
The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has expressed “confidence” that new Prime Minister Theresa May will continue to “fly the flag” for the nation’s wine and spirits industries.
Theresa May is the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Miles Beale, chief executive officer, issued a statement following May’s official appointment on Wednesday and her subsequent cabinet reshuffle. May succeeds David Cameron, who resigned after his failed campaign for a ‘remain’ vote in the UK’s EU referendum.
“We welcome and look forward to working with Theresa May and her new Cabinet,” said Beale.
“The WSTA has a track record of working closely with government and we are confident that Mrs May and her team will want to build on this and to continue to fly the flag for the UK’s fantastic wine and spirits industry.
“The WSTA team has enjoyed working with Mrs May over the past four years as part of the Home Office’s Alcohol Strategy. We led the delegation to discuss its implementation and since then have established a successful working relationship that we look forward to continuing with Amber Rudd.”
Beale also said the WSTA is “encouraged” by the initial views of newly appointed Brexit secretary David Davis, claiming the group is “keen” to work with the minister to “negotiate the strongest possible trading relationship with the EU”.
“And we welcome new environment secretary, Andrea Leadsom, who will be a able to support the growth of the British drinks industry at home and abroad alongside Boris Johnson as foreign secretary and international trade secretary, Liam Fox. I hope to see them all promoting the push to ‘Serve British’,” continued Beale.
“Finally the WSTA also looks forward to working with the new Chancellor Philip Hammond and to a progressive budget that supports our world leading industry.
“As a former businessman we hope he recognises the need for a fairer duty rate for wine and spirits, which will encourage trade and lead to growth and jobs within the industry.”
The WSTA advocated a ‘remain’ vote in the referendum, but said it would work to “assist government in preserving access to the single market” post-Brexit.