Michael Howard is Proud of Pubs

The former leader of the Conservatives Michael Howard is the latest big name to throw his weight behind Proud of Pubs Week.

The MP for Folkestone & Hythe has agreed to visit the Britannia Inn in Shorncliffe on Friday July 13 to meet licensees Gary and Christine Hooper and raise the profile of local pubs.

Proud of Pubs Week, which will run from July 8 to 15, will see pubs across the country taking part in a range of activities - from putting on their own Proud of Pubs Night to raising a toast to their staff - during the national celebration of pubs.

Howard told The Publican: "The pub has long played a vital part in British life. I am sure that it will continue to do so long into the future. More power to our elbows!"

Gary Hooper said: "He's been the local MP for a long time but I've not met him before. This is a great idea and I'm looking forward to talking with him."

He added he would raise local issues with Howard, but was not too concerned about the ban, despite being a smoker himself.

A number of other MPs have also agreed to visit pubs during the week, including Theresa May, the shadow leader of the House of Commons and MP for Maidenhead.

For further details of how you can get behind Proud of Pubs Week, visit www.thepublican.com/proudofpubs or call 020 7955 3710.

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