MP calls on government to do more to support pubs

MP Greg Mulholland has called on the government to do "an awful lot more" to help the pub trade in the current climate.

Speaking at the launch of The Publican's Proud of Pubs Week in the Houses of Parliament today, Mulholland said he had "no doubt" Labour could do more to help stop the pub industry becoming "a thing of the past".

"Pubs are an absolutely fundamental part of who we are as a nation," he told fellow MPs and licensees at the reception.

"There are a large number of us who are campaigning on behalf of the great British pub and the important part they play in serving communities," he said.

"That's a message that often does not get through."

More than 100 MPs are this week due to visit their local to find out about the issues affecting the trade and the great service pubs provide in their communities.

Mulholland described Proud of Pubs as an "excellent initiative" that was "very positive". The LibDem MP for Leeds North West is tabling an early day motion today in Parliament today in support of the week.

Later during a stirring speech, Daniel Pearce, managing editor of The Publican, talked about the fantastic things pubs do for their communities - including raising millions of pounds for charity.

He added: "These are challenging times for the industry, but publicans can't afford to be too down about it.

"Above all the message of today is to show pride in our industry, to stand tall - so maybe more people will pop into the pub to find out exactly why."

During the reception, Christopher Lewis, of the Swan in Stafford and BII licensee of the year, told thepublican.com: "As we all know the trade is finding times particularly hard at the moment and anything we can do to raise our profile in a positive way has got to be good for the industry as a whole."