Brewery re-releases ‘Treason’ ale in response to Theresa May’s Brexit deal

10-Dec-2018 - Last updated on 10-Dec-2018 at 10:48 GMT

'A bit of a wind-up': May will be appearing on beer pump clips next year if Brexit isn't successfully achieved, according to Newby Wyke brewer Robert March

Grantham-based brewery Newby Wyke has re-released its ‘Treason’ ale in response to Prime Minister Theresa May’s draft Brexit declaration.

The Lincolnshire brewery first released the seasonal ale – which features former Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair on its pump clip – in 2012.

Commenting on the original release, Newby Wyke brewer Robert March told the Grantham Journal: “I had this mad urge to name these two individuals who ruined the country.”

The following year, March re-released the ale with beer pumps featuring Nick Clegg, Jeremy Corbyn and David Cameron.

March added: “One landlady said to me politicians and beer do not mix, but I replied they raise the beer taxes, so we can take the mickey. With what is going on with Brexit, I thought we should bring it back.”

Discussing the re-release of the beer in response to Theresa May’s 585-page draft agreement for the United Kingdom’s departure from, and future relationship with, the European Union - which Parliament will vote upon on tomorrow (11 December) - March told the Grantham Journal: “May is committing treason.

“It’s a bit of a wind-up, but she will be going on the beer pump clips next year if we don’t come out of the EU.”

Based in Grantham, Lincolnshire, Newby Wyke’s collection of ales includes commemorative brews such as HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Quorn and Yamato.

Trade response

Contributing to a report titled The response from business to the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration produced by a Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) committee, drinks manufacturers have described the proposed Brexit Withdrawal Agreement as offering a “scenario inferior” to the status quo of EU membership.

In addition, a number of trade bodies have also responded to the Prime Minister's draft declaration, with UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls welcoming the news. She said the likelihood of a deal was reassuring for businesses - describing the agreement as a "crucial step".

Moreover, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association Brigid Simmonds, said certainty for businesses was crucial and a no-deal should be avoided, commenting: "Clarity on the transition period from 29 March onwards and a strong steer on the future relationship with the EU would therefore be better for businesses."