Government appoints Bob Neill as new pubs minister

The Government has appointed Conservative MP Bob Neill as community pubs minister.

The move follows pressure from the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) to create a similar position in Government to that created for John Healey in the last Labour Government.

Neill said: "The local pub is a great British institution and the social heartbeat of life in our towns and villages, bringing people together and strengthening community relationships," said Neill.

"As minister with responsibility for pubs, I am determined to protect the valuable role pubs play and help them to thrive.

"As part of our commitment we are giving residents the power to take over local pubs that are threatened with closure, and working with the sector to make sure expert advice is available to support them. I'm keen to hear more from publicans over the coming months about what more the Government can do to protect the local pub."

Tories attack Labour over decline in community pubs >>

David Miliband pledges to save British pubs >>

GMB Pub Revolution reps to meet new pubs minister >>

By Neil Gerrard

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