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WSTA ‘underwhelmed’ by Brexit progress

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has stressed a ‘no deal’ Brexit “would not be acceptable” and that it has been “underwhelmed” by the UK government’s progress so far.

Miles Beale, WSTA chief executive, speaking at the trade body’s annual conference

Speaking at the WSTA Annual Conference 2018 on Tuesday (18 September), held at The Royal Institution of Great Britain in London, WSTA chief executive Miles Beale noted “frustrations” facing the alcoholic drinks sector and branded Brexit “by far the most significant short-term challenge” facing wine and spirits.

During his speech, Beale said: “The WSTA has long been holding seminars and meeting members to talk through what the consequences of a ‘no deal’ scenario might look like and what companies should be doing to mitigate the risks associated with a hard Brexit.

“I have to say we are underwhelmed with what we have seen from government. Information is too basic and ducks most of the questions we have been asking.

“I see absolutely no reason why EMCS [excise movement and control system] could not be used as a model for how to move goods – all goods not just alcoholic drinks – between the UK and EU once we have left the EU.

“Place the onus on importer for product safety – as is the case now – and make use of technology, and there’s a plausible and, more importantly, tried and tested model.”

Brexit was debated at length during the conference after Beale introduced two keynote speakers to the conference, both with differing views on Brexit.

One speaker was London economist Roger Bootle, who said he did not think the EU was “likely to survive”, noting Italy, Poland, Hungary and France as potentially creating “huge problems” for the EU in the future.

He also described the Chequers agreement as “an appalling set of proposals” and blamed “personal political ambitions” for confusion surrounding the debate about economics and trade.

He debated against fellow keynote speaker Thomas Matussek, former German ambassador to the UK, who told the conference he was in favour of a second referendum and that he hopes the UK will be back.

Matussek continued to add that “Britain is family” and the UK “would be welcomed back with open arms”. He also said that Britain being part of the EU brings “more muscle to the table”.

Broadcaster Alex Forrest chaired the debate. Both sides agreed a Canada-style deal was “the way forward”.

The UK is set to leave the EU in March 2019.

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