UK Metric Association facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | UKMA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1999 (Constitution adopted in 2002) |
| Type | Advocacy group |
| Purpose | Promote metrication in the United Kingdom |
| Website | ukma.org.uk |
The UK Metric Association, or UKMA, is a group in the United Kingdom. This group works to complete the switch to the metric system in the UK. They also encourage everyone to use metric measurements.
How the UKMA Started
The UKMA was created by Chris Keenan in 1999. It officially became an independent group in 2002. This group focuses on one main goal: using the metric system. It is not linked to any political party.
Later, an email group was started for people who supported the metric system. In 2005, a website called ThinkMetric was launched. This site helps people learn to think using metric units. A blog called MetricViews also started in 2006.
As of 2023, Peter Burke is the current leader of UKMA. Ronnie Cohen is the secretary. Famous supporters, called patrons, include Gavin Esler, Jim Al-Khalili, Lord Kinnock, and Lord Taverne.
UKMA's Campaigns
In 2004, UKMA released a report called "A Very British Mess." This report was part of their effort to stop using both imperial and metric measurements at the same time. They wanted the government to fully switch to metric units.
One of their supporters, Geoffrey Howe, admitted he made a mistake. He said he did not challenge the decision to get rid of the Metrication Board. This board used to help with the switch to metric.
In 2006, UKMA asked the government to set a date. They wanted road signs to be changed from imperial to metric units.
Who Opposes the UKMA?
The goals of UKMA are different from another group, the British Weights and Measures Association (BWMA). The BWMA does not like the idea of being forced to use the metric system.
The BWMA also campaigns against what they call "unlawful metric pedestrian signs." They say that many metric signs have been changed back to imperial. This happened after they and their supporters complained.
See also
- Metric Martyrs – a group of shop owners who were found guilty for using scales that were not approved
- Metrication – the process of switching to the metric system
- US Metric Association – a group in the United States that also supports the metric system
