North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has been made a Parliamentary Beer Champion by CAMRA and the British Beer and Pub Association in recognition of his work to secure the first cut in beer duty since 1959 and his continued work to promote local beer producers in Swindon and Wiltshire.
Justin has been an advocate of removing barriers, put in place by the previous government, which had stopped brewers and the pub sector from growing and ending Labour’s beer duty escalator which consistently added to the cost of pint; hitting producers, retailers and consumers.
This year, Justin is supporting CAMRA’s campaign calling on the Chancellor to freeze beer duty in the Budget on March 19, a move that would help the industry, promote growth and create jobs.
Justin joined James and George Arkell of the historic Swindon brewery Arkell's for the presentation at the Jolly Tar pub in Hannington
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “I am very proud to have received this award. I have worked hard to support this important industry, with the cut crucial to the long-term sustainability of our local pubs. In North Swindon we have 52 pubs, providing 1412 jobs and adding £30.2m to the local economy. The brewing and pub sector is a dynamic part of the local economy at the centre of the hospitality industry, our cultural heritage and the social life of every community.”
Mike Benner, Chief Executive of CAMRA, said: “This reward recognises Justin Tomlinson MP invaluable support in the campaign to scrap Labour’s beer duty escalator. Justin really helped in drawing attention to the harm caused by the tax increases totally 42% over just 4 years.”
Bridgid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “I want to thank Justin for making a huge difference in achieving the historic duty cut in 2013. We are delighted to honour this achievement in the best way possible – with a great new beer!”
Keith Bott, SIBA chairman, said: “The small, local brewers, who make up the bulk of SIBA’s membership, applaud the work of Justin in the campaign to scrap the Beer Duty escalator last year. Brewers now feel more confident about the future of the UK’s brewing industry, and able to make long-term business plans.”
