U.K. retains metric system for selling after overwhelming support

On Wednesday, the U.K. government announced the abandonment of its proposal to reintroduce imperial measures for sales, following a consultation that overwhelmingly supported maintaining the metric system, with 99% in favour. The consideration for altering the law arose after the U.K.'s exit from the European Union in 2020, aiming to permit traders to utilize the traditional British weighing system—measuring in pounds and pints—alongside the metric system.

However, the government opted against this course of action after 98.7% of the 100,938 respondents in an official consultation expressed contentment with using metric units for purchasing or selling goods.

In a statement from the Department of Business and Trade, it was mentioned that the government thoroughly analyzed all consultation responses, weighing arguments both for and against expanding the use of imperial units in domestic consumer transactions. Following careful consideration, the decision was made against any legislative changes at this time.

The department acknowledged the U.K.'s "long and proud history" of employing imperial measures, emphasizing their close association with the nation's culture and language. Distances in the U.K. continue to be measured in miles, and beverages like beer and milk are still sold in pints. Additionally, the department disclosed that regulations would be adjusted to allow the stocking of a 568 ml "pint" size of wine in supermarkets, pubs, clubs, and restaurants, marking a notable change.

Attributing these reforms to "new Brexit freedoms" secured through the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023, the department clarified that, after careful consideration, no legislative changes regarding imperial measures would be implemented at this time.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had pledged during the 2019 general election campaign to reintroduce imperial units in shops, arguing that measuring in pounds and ounces represented an "ancient liberty" and promising a "new era of generosity and tolerance" toward traditional measurements. Notably, the U.S., Myanmar, and Liberia are the only other countries that daily use the imperial system.

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