National pride in pubs

More than 100 MPs ranging from Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell in Scotland to Michael Howard, the former leader of the Tories, in Kent are due to visit pubs over the next few days as Proud of Pubs Week draws to a close.

The visits come at the end of a week of activity which has seen licensees putting on Proud of Pubs nights, audting their pub for energy-saving meausres and, tonight, raising their glasses to their barstaff in a national toast.

John Grogan, the Labour MP for Selby and first recipient of our Proud of Pubs Award in recognition of his services to the pub industry earlier this year, is visiting the Saddle in Fulford, near York this Sunday.

"One of the great traditions of British pubs, particularly in Yorkshire, is serving Sunday lunch," he said. "This weekend I have shifted a meeting with local Councillors from a drafty hall into the warm and comfort of a local pub. I'm hoping that a good lunch and a pint will put them in a good mood for the discussion we're going to have."

Proud of Pubs Week has been debated in the Welsh Assembly, after Nick Bourne, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, tabled a statement backing the campaign.

An early day motion tabled by Greg Mulholland MP was also winning support in the House of Commons.

More than 200 pub supporters have now joined the Proud of Pubs group on facebook.com Have you logged on yet?