An SNP MSP has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament blaming Brexit for the decrease in the size of Toblerone and demanding the UK Government take action.
Colin Beattie said the controversial decision to widen the gaps on the iconic Swiss chocolate bar was “emblematic” of the difficulties leaving the EU will cause.
In the motion, Midlothian North and Musselburgh member demands “the UK Government to take speedy action to rectify the change” – and has asked for the support of other MSPs in his goal.
The SNP representative’s motion also offers “condolences” to fans of the chocolate bar who are “mourning” the change.
Toblerone manufacturer Mondelez International has said the higher cost of ingredients have forced it lower the weight of the bar by widening the gaps between its ridges.
The change was made as an alternative to raising the price of the chocolate treat.
Despite widespread consumer anger at the alteration, Mr Beattie appears unlikely to gain cross-part support for his motion.
The Scottish Conservative’s branded it “embarrassing for Holyrood and embarrassing for Scottish politics”.
Liam Kerr MSP added: “MSPs lodge motions on a wide array of deserving subjects, from congratulating the achievements of local groups or individuals, to matters of international importance.
“But a motion about changes to a chocolate bar, which then offers condolences to people upset about it, and also manages to slip in some scaremongering about Brexit is an unwelcome development.
“People will, quite justifiably, ask if this is an appropriate use parliamentary resource.”
A Scottish Labour source added: “This took us by surprise – the SNP’s whole mission is greater separation.
“Even the most sweet toothed of Scottish taxpayers must be wondering if this is the best use of parliamentary time, some might even say Mr Beattie is about as much use as a chocolate teapot.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: “It appears that the SNP’s quest to find grievance in all things has now entered the confectionary stall. What a joke.
“However, given the grief Mr Beattie is suffering over the scaling down of Toblerone, the Scottish Conservatives pledge today to buy him some good Scots chocolate, like a pack of Tunnock’s tea cakes which – regardless of Brexit – remain as delicious and substantial as always.”
The full text of Mr Beattie’s motion reads: “That the Parliament notes with concern Mondelez International’s recent decision to widen the gaps between the segments of the iconic Swiss chocolate bar, Toblerone, in the UK; understands that this was made in order to allay rising costs for numerous ingredients; believes that this is emblematic of the devastating consequences that Brexit could bring; offers its condolences to those mourning this change to the bar; calls on the UK Government to take speedy action to rectify the change, but wishes the company the best possible success with the lighter bar.”
Mr Beattie’s office has been contacted for comment, as has the UK Government’s Department for Exiting the European Union.