You arrived at this page by selecting:Miles and Pints (YEP 27/03/08)
You will have already heard about the rules from Brussels concerning metric and imperial measurements. Brussels certainly did not want us using imperial measurements anymore where our pounds, ounces, miles and pints were concerned. You may also be aware that they agreed to let us use them for a little while longer, until 31 December 2009, on the condition that metric measurements appeared alongside. Under no circumstances however could we use the imperial measurements on their own that was clearly not an option for the UK. This has caused a great amount of fuss here in the UK and Brussels have looked upon our view as strange or probably eccentric in keeping with our great British stereotype.
But now it seems they have had a change of heart. A new European directive has been issued and we will now be allowed to continue to use our good old imperial measurements as long as they are used alongside those of metric. Is that another great British success story? Have our protests finally been heard down the halls and corridors of the European Union? Can we congratulate ourselves and give ourselves a deserved pat on the back?
Unfortunately I think not. I believe it is for one reason only. Using imperial measurements will create trade benefits with certain other countries. The USA for example. The USA work in imperial measurements and therefore there are trading benefits in keeping imperial measurements for that reason alone. The USA would certainly not take kindly to being told they must change their imperial system by Brussels or anyone else. They would simply not stand for it. It would be unconstitutional and contrary to the guarantee of freedom of speech. The USA would consider it as inefficient if they had to start converting metric measurements to imperial. Yet under Brussels it seems we are forced to abide by their rules and have no choice but to grin and bear it. They have the totemic right to tell us to shut up and get on with it.
Yet Brussels always seem to be talking about respecting regionalism. European countries' individualities are important to Brussels and local culture should be respected at all costs. I don't believe a word of it personally. We still have to display two measurements on our apples and pears to satisfy them therefore it doesn't sound like our culture is being respected very much.
So there we are. I believe we have been saved by Washington. Washington has saved us from Brussels. God Bless America.
Ask for a Free copy of our unique Price Guide.
- Look out for my column which will be weekly from now on.
- My colleagues and I regularly provide FREE speakers to local non-profit club and group meetings. Any donations received are automatically given to charity.
- You can read all past columns on our website www.LawOffice.co.uk
- If you have a legal query that you think might be interesting to other readers too please send it to me at Horsforth Law Office, New Road Side, Horsforth, LS18 4QE. T: 0113 258 6888 or email john.wilson@LawOffice.co.uk