Local Councillor and Drinks industry commentator Paul Johnston, has backed a CAMRA call for people to press their MPS to sign a House of Commons Motion urging the Chancellor to back local pubs in his tax decisions.
Next Tuesday, the 22 June, the Chancellor will announce the Budget. There is a risk that the Government will introduce a further tax rise which will hit pubs, even though tax on beer has already rocketed by 26% since the start of 2008.
We need to make sure that the Chancellor understands the value of well-run community pubs to consumers like you so he does not hit them with more tax rises – or even a double whammy with an increase in both excise duty and VAT which will increase the price of a pint in your local.
To highlight the social, economic and cultural importance of well-run community pubs, EDM 210 – an Early Day Motion (parliamentary petition) has been tabled by Greg Mulholland MP which calls on the Government to implement a package of policies which will help secure the future of viable and well-run community pubs.
“I agree wit CAMRA when they point out that pubs are still closing at the rate of almost 6 every day – we need the Government to take action now to prevent more pub closures and preserve our culture and heritage.” said Paul Johnston
“CAMRA will be working to make this the most popular EDM in Parliament, so Government is compelled to take action – this means we need over 300 MPs to sign it.”
CAMRA is asking members to take 2 minutes to email your MP and ask them to sign the EDM. They need MPs to feel pressure from their constituents in order to understand how important well-run pubs are to their community.
To email your MP asking them to sign EDM 210, please go to http://bit.ly/edm210, select ‘email your MP’ and send the email that CAMRA have drafted for you.
Alternatively, you can write to your MP at:
Malcolm Bruce MP
House of Commons,
London,
SW1A 0AA
