MPs have issued a stark warning that the traditional British pint could be under threat thanks to new legislation currently being debated.
The Product Regulation Bill, which aims to review alcohol measures, has sparked concerns among parliamentarians who fear it could be exploited by future governments to reduce drink sizes.
The controversy centres around concerns that the legislation could potentially open the door to replacing the beloved pint with smaller measures, prompting calls for protective amendments to the bill.
Former minister Lord Sharpe has warned that future governments could potentially misuse the bill’s powers.
In a warning to fellow peers, he highlighted the risk of the role of Secretary of State being held by a “metric maniac.”
His particular concerns focus on the possibility of the traditional British pint being replaced by the Australian schooner.
Lord Sharpe described the schooner as “an abomination of a vessel, marginally too large for a sensible sherry but far too small for a sensible beer.”
“It is not difficult to imagine… some interfering busybody who decides that they know what is better for the health of the nation than those who make up the population of the nation,” he warned peers.
He urged fellow peers to support his amendment to the Product Regulation Bill, aiming to protect the traditional pint measure.
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith has thrown his support behind preserving the pint: “We should have pride in pints, not sink them by stealth.”
A Government spokesperson said: “Pints of draught beer and cider remain part of our national identity. We have no plans to change this.”
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