More than 100 MPs call on the Government to save the great British pub
The motion, tabled by chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group Toby Perkins MP, has quickly received cross-party backing and follows an appeal by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) for thousands of its members to encourage MPs to show their support for pubs.
While recognising that recent changes in planning law and taxation have helped the industry, the motion asks for more to be done to help pubs and “calls on the Government to take further steps to support pubs that will reduce the tax burden and will enshrine the valuable role the great British pub plays in UK society.”
CAMRA national chairman Jackie Parker said: “We know that 18 pubs are being forced to close each week and we welcome the EDM calling for more support for pubs, and the backing from those MPs who have signed it already.
“A number of factors contribute to these closures, including a ‘triple tax whammy’ of high beer duty, business rates and VAT. It is only by changing Government policy on key issues that we will be able to protect the British pub and ensure it remains at the very heart of our communities.
"We would urge all MPs to consider signing this EDM.”
In line with the motion, CAMRA will be campaigning for a cut to beer duty and a permanent business rates relief for pubs ahead of the Autumn Budget.
Perkins added: “Pubs play an incredibly important role both in our social fabric and our local economies, so it is great that so many MPs are showing their support.
“There is concern that the overall burden of tax on our pubs is excessive and MPs across the house will continue to make the case to do more to support this crucial sector.”
