Mulholland presses for shadow pubs minister

Greg Mulholland has written to Labour leader Ed Miliband reiterating earlier requests for the appointment of a shadow pubs minister.

The call came after Labour MP Chris Williamson was selected to respond at a recent Westminster Hall debate on pubs and planning, which caused confusion as to whether there is a shadow minister with responsibility for pubs.

Bob Neill MP was made community pubs minister in October, following on from Labour MP John Healey's appointment as the original minster for pubs in March 2010.

On behalf of the The All Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group, chair Mulholland wrote that Healey's Community Pubs Action Plan included "much need policies on the reform of the beer tie, reform of planning law and support for community pub ownership".

The group believes that a shadow community pubs minister would be beneficial to the sector, and invited the future shadow minister to a meeting of the group to set out the Labour party's plans for the trade.

Mulholland commented: "Having had positive conversations with Ed Miliband, I hope that the opposition will clarify the current situation, or come forward with a strong, pro-pub shadow Minister," said Mulholland.

"It was a surprise for all those present at the debate on pubs and planning to see Chris Williamson selected as the minister responding on behalf of the opposition, because of this I have written to the leader of the opposition to clarify the situation.

"It is so important that the opposition appoint a shadow pubs minister that really understands all the complex issues, to ensure the Government are properly scrutinised and made accountable for all issues affecting pubs."

Since May's general election more than 160 Labour MPs have signed Early Day Motion 210 that calls for a series of measures to support community pubs.