Brewer calls on MPs for support

LOCAL brewer JW Lees is calling on MPs to join the campaign to freeze beer tax ahead of the Budget.

Managing director William Lees-Jones has written to local MPs, urging them to back the campaign by signing a Parliamentary motion.

Campaigners say Britain’s beer and pub sector is vital to both the rural economy and the hospitality trade, and an engine for economic growth and job-creation across the UK.

It is responsible for almost a million jobs across the UK and could generate thousands more, especially in towns and villages where alternative local employment is scarce, they say.

Mr Lees-Jones said: “I hope our local MPs will listen to concerns, and back this motion in Parliament, as beer and pubs are an absolutely vital part of our local economy. The current Government policy is counter-productive, as it is shutting down pubs, and costing jobs.’