‘Long live the local’: Helen Morgan MP pledges support for local pubs

Helen Morgan MP has pledged her support for the Long Live the Local campaign to help pubs and breweries in North Shropshire recover and thrive. Helen joined over 170,000 people nationwide who have signed the petition so far, including 325 from North Shropshire.

The Liberal Democrat MP and member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Pubs is calling on the Government to take action to reduce the burden of taxation on brewers and pubs.

Pubs and breweries in North Shropshire support 2,165 jobs and contribute £63.4m to the local economy, making them an integral part of our communities.

With one in every three pounds spent in UK pubs going directly to the Treasury, British drinkers and pub goers are some of the most taxed in Europe, and this is hampering the recovery of our cherished locals and Britain`s brewers.

Businesses still recovering from the pandemic have been thrown headfirst into an energy crisis which, combined with ongoing inflation across supply chains, is having a devastating impact on brewers and pubs in communities throughout the UK.

Liberal Democrats also want the Government to continue supporting businesses with their energy costs, with pubs, cafes and restaurants facing a cliff edge when they lose 90% of their help from April.

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, said, "“Long live the local! Pubs are at the heart of communities across North Shropshire and deserve Government support. Throughout the pandemic they demonstrated great resilience and innovation, however the aftershock of the pandemic combined with the energy and cost-of-living crises means many pubs remain at risk.

“That is why I am supporting the Long Live the Local campaign and calling on the Chancellor to reduce the burden of taxation on pubs and brewers.”

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said, “The Long Live the Local Campaign not only celebrates the important role pubs play in Britain but also seeks to remind people that we cannot take them for granted. That is why we are calling on the Government to invest in pubs and breweries through the reform of the unfair tax burden - specifically lower VAT & Business Rates for pubs and extending the freeze on beer duty. This will help pubs and brewers thrive in coming years.

“In turn, this growth will create more connected and vibrant communities, local investment and vital employment and ensures our rich pub and brewing heritage continues for future generations to enjoy.

“We are very grateful to Helen Morgan for supporting the Long Live the Local campaign, and hope that the Government listens to MPs across Parliament and the thousands of people across the country who are calling on the Chancellor to help brewers and pubs.”

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Notes

Long Live the Local is a campaign backed by British Beer and Pub Association. The campaign celebrates the positive role of pubs and highlights the challenges they face, specifically an unfair tax burden, which is set to increase. Further information about the Long Live the Local campaign can be found via www.longlivethelocal.pub.