UK’s WSTA launches #NoToNoDeal campaign ahead of Brexit

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has launched a #NoToNoDeal ‘Don’t Bottle It’ campaign in the UK.

The move follows Prime Minister Theresa May’s call for the public to ‘listen to what business is saying’ at the Confederation of British Industry’s annual conference.

As part of the campaign, WSTA is urging wine and spirit businesses to write to the member of parliament (MP) of their local area to explain that a ‘no deal’ Brexit scenario would affect business.

WSTA’s CEO Miles Beale said: “The UK wine and spirit industry is a world-leading £50bn industry that does half of its trade with the EU. With the launch of our ‘Don’t Bottle It’ campaign, our message to Parliament is that ‘no deal’ is totally unacceptable.

“It would fail to deliver what we have asked for consistently since the referendum and there is now simply not enough time to prepare for a ‘no deal’ Brexit without causing serious damage to UK businesses.

The WSTA stated that there are major concerns across the wine and spirits industry that need to be addressed.

Ever since the government launched the Brexit referendum, the WSTA has been campaigning for a deal to ensure trade in goods, sufficient labour supply and a transition period until at least 2020.

Beale further added: “As we have said since the referendum, the clock is ticking, and it has now all but run down. Despite the businesses we represent putting in place contingency measures as best they can, a ‘no deal’ Brexit presents a multitude of difficulties that are outside of their control.

“Leaving the EU without a deal would result in chaos and inflict painful damage on these businesses. We are calling on Parliament to ensure the UK does not leave the EU without a deal on 29 March 2019 – #NoToNoDeal.”