The Leader of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce said it was 'absolutely the wrong time' to change measurements back to imperial. 

Suzanne Caldwell said: "Given all the challenges facing business and the economy now is absolutely the wrong time to consider a move that would mean a switch back, saddling business with additional costs and distracting from real issues."

In reference to when the UK switched from imperial to metric for many products, Ms. Caldwell said:

"The switchover meant a significant investment for businesses in terms of equipment, packaging, labelling and so on, as well as a lot of time and effort." 

She argued that any move to change the system in place would mean a repeat of this. 

British Industries started calling for a switch to metric as a primary measurement system back in 1965. However it took until 2000 for displays of imperial measurement for loose goods such as fruit and vegetables to no longer be legally authorised, instead having to be displayed in metric.

Customers have always been able to ask for products in pounds and ounces, and many scales display both. 

However Boris Johnson proposed a government review into the issue. This is as part of a move away from old EU directives that remain on the statute book. 

MP Mark Francois argued this morning that it was about providing choice for traders. He also suggested a review into GDPR, the data protection laws set out by the EU that was adopted by the UK in 2016. 

Ms. Caldwell said: "You have to ask whether there's really a groundswell of opinion looking for a return to imperial. The switchover begain wehn I was in primary school and I'm now nearing 60!" 

The reaction in Kendal was mixed. While some aruged that the issue was put forward by Boris Johnson to distract from Partygate, and a shop said that weighing in grams has 'never been an issue,' some have argued that it represents a return to tradition. 

The Prime Minister is expected to provide more detail on the Government strategy on Friday, in the run up to the Jubilee.

READ MORE: https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/20175489.kendal-reacts-returning-imperial-measurements/