UKIP backs Thrive on Five campaign

By Adam Pescod

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Uk independence party United kingdom independence party

Nuttal supports the campaign
Nuttal supports the campaign
The UK Independence Party has thrown its support behind the Publican's Morning Advertiser's Thrive on Five campaign.

The UK Independence Party (UKIP) has thrown its support behind the Publican's Morning Advertiser's Thrive on Five campaign to get VAT reduced to 5% across the hospitality industry.

Paul Nuttall, member of the European Parliament for the north-west of England and deputy leader of the party, said he "100% supports" the campaign.

He believes a VAT cut to 5% would present pubs with a more level playing field.

"There should be a change in VAT so drinks in pubs can be sold at prices which are competitive with those sold in supermarkets," Nuttall said. "I support this campaign because the hospitality industry needs a helping hand to protect jobs."

His support came in the week he produced a report on the trade entitled Last Orders? The decline of the Great British pub, in which he called for a Royal Commission (a major Government investigation) into the industry. Nuttall is worried about the impact on the trade of the smoking ban, tied beer prices, duty and tax.

UKIP is the latest high-profile organisation to throw its weight behind the campaign. Last month the Campaign for Real Ale voiced its support for the initiative, claiming the cut would benefit pubs and consumers.

Thrive on Five also has the backing of French lobbyist and leisure entrepreneur Jacques Borel, the man be-hind the 5.5% VAT rate for the hospitality sector in France. He says a cut in VAT to a similar level in the UK would create up to 320,000 jobs for the hospitality sector.

Trade leaders such as JD Wetherspoon chief Tim Martin, and licensees, are already campaigning for a cut.

The PMA is urging the industry to take action in support of the campaign, by presenting the case for a cut to their local MP.

• We have a briefing pack on the beneficial effects of the lower VAT in France, introduced in July 2009. Send rjna.ghearl@jeoz.pbz​ an email to get a copy of the pack.

Related topics Legislation

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