A UK-wide deposit return scheme has been welcomed by CAMRA as a way to protect a good choice of beer and cider.

The UK and devolved governments have announced a UK-wide deposit return scheme is to be introduced from October 2027. CAMRA chief executive Tom Stainer said: “The UK, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments working together on a deposit return scheme is good news for the environment and for consumer choice.

“CAMRA supports a deposit return scheme, but having four different schemes with different rules, paperwork and labelling needed for each nation risked a catastrophic reduction in choice for consumers of quality beer and cider from small and independent businesses which wouldn’t be able to take part in four systems and produce four sets of labels for each beer or cider they make.

“The announcement of an easy-to-understand scheme that works seamlessly across borders with one set of rules, labels and deposit levels is a good one.

“We now want to make sure sufficient help is offered for small and independent breweries and cider producers to participate in the new deposit return scheme so they can afford to keep selling their products to all parts of the UK, providing consumers with a choice of distinctive and quality products.”