Chris Maclean: celebrate the British pub

I have, tonight, written to my local MP inviting him to come to my pub in July as part of Proud of Pubs Week.

I don't think he will come.

British politicians have a curious habit of hiding from their vulgar constituents. Most European citizens would be familiar with their local representatives. Their MPs would drink in the local bars, eat in local restaurants and use local services. But not the British.

Last year I was invited for dinner at the home of the Estonian Minister for the Interior. Very friendly are the Europeans.

But British politicians are noticeable by their invisibility. Possibly it is because they treat their electors so contemptuously.

Whatever the reason, I suspect my MP won't come. I'd be surprised if he did.

And it is a pity. Because I think he might just see something rather wonderful going on.

There are few places like the British pub. Despite what many politicians have done to try and change them they remain pivotal to the communities they serve. There are no other institutions like the British pub and they remain central to most social activity for many people.

This weekend I visited a neighbouring pub and was astonished by the level of activity the licensee maintained for the benefit of the community. He massively sponsors the local football club and a local cricket club. He regularly collects huge sums for local charities. He was telling me of efforts to help a local disabled child. It was humbling stuff. He, and many licensees, quietly get on and do these things with little recognition.

How much better would it be if Parliament was run by selfless licensees rather than by invisible representatives.

So I am proud of our pubs and I'd like my MP to share that.

But the odds are he will not come. Sadly.