Asda chairman Lord Roseof Monewden called the plans to restore imperial dimensions ‘complete and absolute nonsense’. This was because he claimed that the government appealed only to a “small minority” who are nostalgic about the past.
These comments by the Conservative peer come at a time when the Government launches a consultation about the extent to which Britain should continue using imperial measures (such as pounds or ounces) after it leaves the EU.
In line with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, pub landlords can now serve pints in Crown-encrusted glasses.
Asda chairman Lord Rose Of Monewden (pictured), has dismissed plans to restore imperial measurement.
According to some, the 2004 introduction of an EU-required ‘CE’ symbol on pint glasses led to the removal the symbol.
Britons have welcomed the UK’s return to imperial dimensions, something it had abandoned under EU rules.
Industry groups warn that changes to the UK’s food and beverage laws could lead to higher prices.
Due to the high cost of having products rebranded, they expressed concern that this would increase the cost of living.
Speaking of the move, Lord Rose, a former chairman of Marks & Spencer, told Times Radio: ‘I’ve never heard such nonsense in my life. We have serious problems around the globe and now we want to go backwards.
“Does anyone below 40 years old know the number of ounces in a pound?”
A consultation is being launched by the Government on whether Britain should continue to use imperial measures (e.g. pounds or ounces) after it leaves the EU. Boris Johnson
Is it possible to say to the store, “I will have one pound and four ounces of this?” It’s done to please a very small number of people who are nostalgic about the past.
He said, “I am shocked.” A crown is one thing, but it’s another to have it on your pint glasses. This can be both nostalgic and fun. There are two ways to measure weights.
The government stated that it did not intend to force businesses to alter their current practices. This will only result in increased costs for businesses.
This week Tory MPs found themselves in a bind when they couldn’t quantify some imperial measurements.
When Lord Parkinson, a Conservative peer, was quizzed by Sky News on ounces and pounds, he only provided one correct answer.
Lord Parkinson stated that there were only 14 ounces to a pound.
These plans coincide with Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Pub landlords will be allowed to serve pints from glasses with Crowns.
Also, he couldn’t convert one pound of sausages to grams. He offered 250g as an alternative. The approximate weight of a pound is 450g.
But, ex-aide to PM Theresa May stated correctly that three litres equals more than four pints.
Asda chairman Lord Rose is not the only one who has expressed discontent about adopting imperial measurements, with some fearing it could worsen the cost-of-living crisis.
Andrea Martinez-Inchausti is the assistant director for food at British Retail Consortium. She stated: “Introducing new laws that change how we measure food or drink would distract from this essential task and increase cost and complexity if existing product labels are to be changed.”
BRC pointed out, however that retailers and manufacturers are free to include imperial measurements alongside those of metric.
Joe Harrison, chief executive at the National Market Traders Federation, questioned if a return of imperial measures was ‘beneficial.
This comes just weeks after Tory MPs were made to look bad by Lord Parkinson, a Conservative peer (pictured), who was unable quantify some imperial measurements when he was quizzed on Sky News
The Daily Telegraph was informed by him that it would prove a headache and that many people don’t use imperial measurements anymore.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute cautioned against any attempt to ‘bamboozle’ the public.
John Herriman is the chief executive. He stated, “At a moment when consumers are feeling the pinch from rising prices and inflation it’s really important that any proposals measures don’t be bamboozled the public on the value of money and the prices for everyday items or add unnecessary costs to businesses.
“The reintroduction and sustainability of imperial measurement would require large and lasting investments in metrology and additions to national curriculum. A campaign to educate general population.
“At an age when much of the rest is using metric to measure their world, it might also be counterintuitive to go back to imperial as post EU withdrawal, Global Britain trades with more countries than ever before.
Chris Philp, minister to the government, said this week that a return to imperial measurements would allow for “allowing a piece of our national heritage and culture back onto the shelf”.
According to industry groups, new legislation to alter the UK’s way of measuring food and drinks could lead to higher prices.
The plans, however, aren’t popular with all Tory MPs.
Alicia Kearns MP for Rutland & Melton described the plans as a nonsense’ and disputed their ‘Brexit liberty’.
She stated, “Not one constituent ever asked for it.”
Tobias Ellwood was the Chair of the House of Commons Defence Committee. He is a critical of the PM.
Sky News reported that some members of his party will enjoy the nostalgic policy, in the hope it will help them win the next election.
“But, this is not true. It is not the only way for Conservative thinking to be accepted beyond our base.
“It is far from the visionary, inspirational and progressive thinking we need. It fits in a trend I fear of micro-announcements being thrown out on the internet, which is actually sowing discontent with even more MPs.