71 MPs sign pledge to cut beer tax
Some 71 MPs have shown their support for the trade in the run-up to the Budget on 8 March, along with the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group chair Graham Evans.
Other high-profile campaigners include British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Brigid Simmonds, Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) public affairs committee chair Ray Turpie and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) Neil Walker.
The pledge highlights that British people drink 12% of the beer in the European Union, but pay almost 40% of the total beer tax.
It says beer is essential to the great British pub, so keeping a lid on beer duty will help keep pubs open and thriving.
Support has made a real difference
The pledge also outlines the 900,000 jobs that depend on the industry across the country and the £20bn beer and pubs add to the economy.
BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds thanked Graham Evans and all the MPs who pledged their support, which has been on a cross-party basis.
She added: “It has made a real difference in the run-up to the Budget.”
Graham Evans labelled pubs as vital to communities for all members of parliament.
Support brings investment
He said: “Support for the sector can bring more of the investment needed to provide the great pubs that bring people together to enjoy a pint.
“I am delighted so many fellow MPs have shown their support.”
The BBPA, CAMRA and SIBA called on MPs earlier this year (January) urging them to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to support a beer duty cut.
Manchester brewery Joseph Holt added its voice to growing calls from the trade to reduce beer tax in the Budget next week (8 March).
