The case for completing the changeover to the international metric system

The UK Metric Association (UKMA) campaigns for the earliest practicable completion of the programme of changeover to the metric system. By clicking on the links on this page, you can read a summary of the powerful arguments for finally phasing out obsolete imperial measures and becoming fully metric - instead of carrying on with the the current "two systems" muddle.

Our campaign

The campaign is directed particularly at the Government, which has the primary responsibility for managing the change, but also at other official bodies, the media and the general public.

We set out some principles to be followed in completing the changeover, deal with the scares about civil liberty and free speech, and refute the argument that the costs of completion would not be justified.

Resistance to change

UKMA acknowledges that there is opposition to change but believes that this opposition is shallow and results from a Government failure to explain the reasons for the change and the benefits which it would bring. As a result populist politicians and tabloid newspapers have been able to exploit public misunderstanding.

How you can make a difference

Britain’s failure to complete its changeover to the metric system hurts. It affects our international competitiveness, leads to mistakes, undermines consumer protection, compromises safety and wastes the education of children throughout the UK.

You can make a difference to this situation by speaking out and taking practical steps. As little as 5 minutes (or even better 30 minutes) of your time can help.