We should be rolling out the barrel to US business

SIR GRAHAM BRADY, chairman of the 1922 Committee, explains why ditching tariffs with America will create jobs and investment.

IN 2018, before we formally left the European Union, Brussels ordered Britain to implement tariffs on a range of iconic US goods, such as Bourbon whisky. This sort of madness was one of the reasons the UK voted to leave the EU in the first place.

Of the Brexit freedoms we fought for, the right to operate an independent trade policy was the jewel in the crown.

If we make the most of this freedom, UK consumers will have access to global produce at competitive prices and our businesses will be able to capitalise on global trading opportunities.

Seventy-five trade associations have recently issued a joint statement urging both the US and UK governments to resolve the current deadlock.

On both sides of the pond there’s recognition that these tariffs are causing real economic damage. So we must not delay, especially when we have a cost-of-living crisis which is squeezing small businesses. One sector in particular, UK spirits, has seen first-hand the damage done by this trade war.

Since 2018 there’s been a 53 per cent decline in Bourbon consumption, hurting tens of thousands of hospitality businesses.

You might imagine that these tariffs would benefit our own distillers but in fact they are also hobbling our worldrenowned whisky sector, which relies on US bourbon barrels for maturing Scotch. it is now increasingly difficult to import these casks at affordable prices.

What is more, the US has yet to retaliate with a hike in tariffs on scotch but the longer time goes on, the greater the risk. We are by far the biggest market in Europe for US bourbon, and the fact we were unable to stop the introduction of these tariffs shows how powerless we were whilst members of the EU.

I know the Government wants to do more to seize the benefits of Brexit, which is why the Prime Minister has appointed Jacob Rees-mogg as Brexit Opportunities Minister. I hope they listen to British businesses – such as those backing the Free the Spirit campaign – to ascertain how we can unlock the true potential of this country.

Having faith in the British people to govern themselves was why the Conservative Party achieved such an overwhelming majority back in 2019. It is vital that we reconnect with this mission.

Ditching the tariffs will unlock millions in investment, help create new job opportunities, and allow Britain to continue its role as a worldbeating whisky producer.