MPs set for further meetings on beer duty
Economic Secretary Chloe Smith has agreed to further meetings with MPs on the impact of beer duty following a late-night debate in Parliament led by Gavin Williamson MP on the issue last night.
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has welcomed the move and described the adjournment debate as a show of strength, with about 40 MPs in the chamber towards midnight raising strong concerns about the issue.
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, said: "A growing number of MPs are saying that the Government's current tax policy for beer simply doesn't add up.
"With beer tax up 42% in four years, tax revenues are being undermined, jobs are being lost, especially in pubs, and a great British manufacturing industry is thwarted from fulfilling its true potential, at home and abroad.
"Chloe Smith has said the issue will be kept under review - thanks to the many MPs from all parties who showed such strong support last night."
An e-petition calling for a freeze in beer duty has already collected more than 60,000 signatures - a total of 100,000 will trigger a fuller debate in Parliament.
By Neil Gerrard
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