Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of UK excise duty levels on the ability of UK spirits producers to compete internationally.

UK alcohol duty is not charged on exports. To support spirits producers, the Government has:

• agreed a trade deal with India which will reduce tariffs on gin and whisky exports from 150% to 75% initially, and then 40% over time.

• ended the alcohol duty stamps scheme on 1 May 2025, reducing the administrative burden on spirit producers and importers.

• invested £5m in the Spirits Drink Verification Scheme (SDVS) to enable HMRC to cut the fees it charges producers for its verification service.