Pubs raise a glass to MPs as they call for new look at Beer Duty Escalator
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain's beleaguered pub industry was given some hope yesterday after backbench MPs forced the Government to look again at rules which make beer duty rise faster than inflation.
MPs overwhelmingly backed a motion calling on the Treasury to consider the "social and economic" effects of the Beer Duty Escalator, which increases the tax by 2 per cent more than inflation.
Rooney Anand, chief executive of Greene King, welcomed the MPs' support and said: "We urge the Government to implement a review, which we hope will lead to the removal of the escalator, and will greatly benefit this traditional British industry, safeguarding jobs and contributing to long-term economic growth."
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: "I am confident any review, which we hope the Government will announce, will show above-inflation increases in beer tax do not make sense – they would bring in no additional revenue for the Treasury, but at the same time threaten pubs and employment."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments