UK abandons imperial comeback, overwhelming support for metric system prevails
The UK government announced on Wednesday that it has abandoned its plans to reintroduce imperial measures, citing an overwhelming 99 percent support for retaining the metric system.
This decision comes after a thorough consultation process, where nearly 99,000 respondents expressed their preference for metric units in consumer transactions.
Originally considering a return to Britain’s traditional weighing system of pounds and pints alongside the metric system post-Brexit in 2020, ministers decided against the move as 98.7 percent of respondents favored metric units when buying or selling products.
The Department of Business and Trade emphasized that the use of imperial measures holds a significant place in the UK’s cultural and linguistic history.
While distances in the UK are still measured in miles, and beverages like beer and milk continue to be sold in pints, the government has also introduced changes to allow a 568 ml “pint” size of wine in supermarkets, pubs, clubs, and restaurants.
This modification is attributed to the “new Brexit freedoms” obtained through the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023, marking a significant shift in consumer choices.
Enterprise, Markets, and Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake expressed enthusiasm about these changes, stating that they provide opportunities to boost the economy and support British wineries.
The 568 ml size will now join the existing 200 ml and 500 ml measures in the market.
This decision diverges from former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s 2019 election promise to reintroduce imperial units in shops, where he championed the use of pounds and ounces as an “ancient liberty.”
Despite Johnson’s vision of a “new era of generosity and tolerance” towards traditional measurements, the government’s latest move signals a commitment to align with the majority’s preference for the metric system.
It’s worth noting that the United States, Myanmar, and Liberia remain the only countries besides the UK to utilize the imperial system in their daily practices.
The UK’s decision to maintain the metric system reflects a broader global trend towards standardization in measurements and consumer preferences.
About The Author
