The idea was floated by Boris Johnson but was ultimately scrapped. The British government announced on Wednesday that it is abandoning a return to the imperial measurement system (ounces, inches, etc.), which the former prime minister made a symbol of the benefits of Brexit.
The quantities of products sold in the country must therefore always be indicated on the packaging primarily in kilos or liters or according to the metric system, the Ministry of Trade decided in the midst of the confectioners' peace. Quantities in ounces, inches or pounds may appear, but are less visible.
After leaving the European Union, whose rules require the metric system in all member states, Boris Johnson's Conservative government indicated that it wanted to change British law to restore the honor of imperial units and thereby embody newfound freedom the UK.
The English want to keep the metric system
But after a comprehensive consultation in 2022, almost 99% of respondents said they wanted to maintain the priority given to the metric system. “Even if the government does not change the law, new guidance will be published to raise awareness of the current freedoms that allow imperial units to be displayed alongside their more visible metric equivalents,” however, the government stated in a press release.
He also announced that a “broader review” of measurement regulations was underway, “in line with the government’s commitment to identifying opportunities for reform” presented by Brexit. As a first step, from 2024 it will be possible to buy a “pint” of wine or sparkling wine (i.e. 568 ml), or even wine in a 200 ml container, in pubs, restaurants or supermarkets.