PM letter over review panel is 'model of evasion'

Cameron wrote a letter to Business, Innovation and Skills Committee (BISC) chairman Adrian Bailey —
seen exclusively by the Publican’s Morning Advertiser — in response to a question to the Prime Minister demanding action over the pubco-tenant relationship.

During question time, Bailey asked the PM: “Can the Prime Minister tell me: is he backing the will of Parliament or the will of pubcos?”.

Cameron has now responded in writing, claiming: “The best way to deliver change quickly is for the industry to focus on implementing these reforms.

“It would not be appropriate, at this stage, to commission an independent review, though I have noted the Parliamentary interest in this matter.”

Cameron said that the Government had already taken significant action to support the pub trade — through the Right to Bid provisions in the Localism Act 2011, by supporting Pub is the Hub and in setting out plans to stop bars from selling drinks for less than the cost of tax that is paid on them.

Bailey said: “Cameron’s letter, as I expected, is a model of evasion. The PM misses the point of the debate entirely and is basically holding on to a line that is unsustainable.”

Bailey is insisting the Government take action after he won a Parliamentary motion in January calling for
the establishment of a panel, approved by BISC, to monitor the self-regulation deal with the British Beer & Pub Association.

BISC believes the Government has to act as this was a vote with overwhelming MP support. However, the Government is not legally bound by the vote.

You can read the letter below.