Consumers support calls to end duty escalator

The move comes after a range of trade associations — the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and  the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) — supported an Early Day Motion (EDM) that calls for the escalator to be suspended in next month’s Budget.

The consumers, members of CAMRA, have emailed their MPs requesting they support the EDM put forward by Andrew Griffiths MP, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group and supported by pub campaigner Greg Mulholland, that says the move would “help reduce pub closures, create 5,000 additional jobs and ensure pub going remains an affordable leisure activity”.

The EDM states that beer and pubs contribute £21bn to the UK’s GDP and support almost one million jobs.

As the Publican’s Morning Advertiser went to press 34 MPs from across parties had supported the motion.

CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner said: “A freeze in duty would help protect the future of pubs. CAMRA’s 135,000 members are contacting their MPs asking them to tell the Chancellor that enough is enough.”

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “I hope MPs will support this. If we get a tax freeze in the Budget, we could create and protect 16,000 jobs in the next three years alone.”

Julian Grocock, chief executive of SIBA, said: “Our plea is for MPs to support this motion for a policy change, to re-invest in great British beer and pubs so they can recover their vital role in the social life of the communities that make up this country.

“Only thus will we be able to re-assert the values of a responsible drinking culture; and only thus will these industries remain strong enough to fulfil their commitment to making a fair and sustainable contribution to the national economy.”

The Budget takes place on 21 March.

What is an Early Day Motion?​
Early Day Motions are formal motions submitted for debate in the Commons, although few are actually debated. EDMs allow MPs to draw attention to an event or cause. MPs register their support by signing individual motions.