More than 200 MPs have signed a parliamentary motion calling on the government to abandon the planned beer tax hike in next month’s budget.
The 202 MP signings included 97 Labour backbenchers who also supported the early day motion.
Organisers of the Axe the Beer Tax – Save the Pub campaign said that more than 70,000 people had joined and 25,000 people had lobbied their local MP on the issue since it began in November last year.
An opinion poll by ComRes last month showed that 70% of Britons did not believe the government was justified in increasing beer tax in the budget during the current economic climate.
David Long, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “The fact that more than 200 MPs have joined our campaign is testament to widespread strength that is felt across all parties regarding on the future of British pubs.
“Beer tax was increased by 18% during last year and pubs are now closing at a rate of nearly six every single day.
“Pubs are a fundamental part of our community life and the government now needs to act to save them from extinction. A good start would be to scrap plans set out 12 months ago in brighter economic times to increase beer tax again.”
Mike Benner, chief executive of CAMRA said: “At a time when everyone is feeling the pinch, the Government should listen to its own MPs and not increase beer tax above inflation in next month’s budget.
“We’re not calling for any handouts, just hands off any further increases in beer tax.
“The Prime Minister recently said that he didn’t want responsible, moderate drinkers to pay more. Scrapping next month’s beer tax would be a truly popular and effective way of turning those words into action.”
