Meacher wants cut in beer duty

OLDHAM West and Royton MP Michael Meacher is demanding a cut in beer duty to retain jobs and keep local pubs open ahead of next month’s Budget.

Mr Meacher said: “We need a further cut in duty which would secure pub jobs, help keep pub pints affordable and support Britain’s much-loved pubs. Pubs are the heart of communities and we need to do all we can to support them.”

Mr Meacher is backing the Parliamentary campaign for action: “A tax reduction has been popular with pubgoers but we can always do more to keep community hubs secure.”