CAMRA calls for new pubs minister

12-May-2010 - Last updated on 27-Aug-2011 at 07:38 GMT

CAMRA's Mike Benner keen to see new pubs minister appointed

CAMRA has written to the Prime Minister calling for a new pubs minister — and has suggested either Nigel Evans or Greg Mulholland for the role.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has written to the Prime Minister calling for a new pubs minister — and has suggested either Nigel Evans or Greg Mulholland for the role.

CAMRA says the minister would have a vital role to play in safeguarding the future of Britain's pubs. It highlighted that there are many "exceptionally well-qualified candidates" for the job, including Mulholland and Evans.

Mulholland is the winner of CAMRA's 2010 Parliamentarian of the Year Award and chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Save The Pubs Group.

Evans is vice-chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group and co-chaired the group's Community Pub Inquiry.

Mike Benner, CAMRA chief executive, said: "It is a positive sign that the new Prime Minister chose to enjoy a pint in his local community pub on Election Night. CAMRA hopes that the new Government will include a minister for pubs tasked with safeguarding the future of the nation's pubs.

"Community pubs have long suffered through the absence of a single minister to speak up for pubs. There are no fewer than six Government departments whose actions have a major impact on community pubs and before the appointment of a minister for pubs by the last Government there was no joined up approach on pub matters.

"A dedicated minister for pubs is vital to ensure that the fate of community pubs does not fall through the gaps between these Government Departments.

"CAMRA will be asking its 110,000 members to contact the Prime Minister to support the reappointment of a minister for pubs."