Message heard - Proud and clear

Proud of Pubs Week is making waves across Parliament this week as publicans unite to tell the true story about pubs to the people who count.

Licensees and members of The Publican​ team met with MPs at a series of events in Westminster as the Proud of Pubs message was turned up to full volume.

Twenty two MPs answered a challenge to show they were proud of pubs by joining a reception to mark the week at Whitehall pub the Red Lion on Tuesday, with each one signing up to the Proud of Pubs 'MP-ometer'.

Others joined the launch of the week in the House of Commons on Monday, hosted by Lib Dem MP Greg Mulholland.

Mulholland also tabled a Commons motion backing Proud of Pubs Week and the place of the pubs at the heart of communities - the third Commons motion tabled in support of Proud of Pubs in as many years. To date 20 MPs have signed in support.

More MPs will be visiting pubs in their constituencies throughout the week, with participants including Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell and ex-Tory leader Michael Howard.

Speaking at the Red Lion, Lembit Opik, the Lib Dem MP for Montgomeryshire, said: "You don't have to be a heavy drinker to value the social benefit of Britain's pubs. They're a vital component of our culture.

"That's why I'm proud to support the Proud of Pubs campaign. Cheers to our local pubs and cheers to this campaign!"

Ben Chapman, the Labour MP for Wirral South, added: "People from overseas are envious of pubs and we should both take pride in them, and make more use of them.

"As a pub user I am concerned about their future and fully behind Proud of Pubs."