The British government has abandoned plans to revert to imperial measurements, previously touted by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson as one of the benefits of Brexit. However, it will instead permit the sale of wine by the pint.
Product quantities must continue to be displayed in kilograms or litres, according to the metric system. The U-turn followed a consultation by the Ministry of Trade in which 99% of respondents said that switching back to the old system was a bad idea. Producers and retailers wishing to use the old-fashioned imperial quantities like ounces, inches or pounds may only display them inconspicuously.
Eager to mark its difference from the EU, which mandates the metric system among its Member States, the UK's Conservative government led by Boris Johnson had expressed intentions to alter British law to prioritise imperial units.
But although the move would symbolise the UK’s regained independence it was hardly a popular proposition for the British public, who almost unanimously voiced their preference to continue with priority given to the metric system.
Despite this, the UK government has been trying to persuade the public that using the old measurements (which only the older generations are familiar with) is “in line with the government’s commitment to identify opportunities for reforms” offered by Brexit. Economists have calculated that the UK is around 4% worse off in terms of GDP than if it had remained in the EU.
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But the government is keen to enact changes that distinguish the UK from the EU and so from 2024, it will be possible to purchase a “pint” of wine or sparkling wine (equivalent to 568 ml), or wine in a 200 ml container, in pubs, restaurants or supermarkets.
Post-Brexit and following the transition period at the end of 2020, the United Kingdom retained thousands of European regulatory texts. However, the Conservative government began to remove provisions deemed contrary to British interests (despite ignoring public consultations that would indicate British interests).
