Over 100 MPs make pre-budget plea for Rishi Sunak to slash beer duty

22 October 2021, 11:34

MPs signed the letter ahead of the Chancellor's Budget next week.
MPs signed the letter ahead of the Chancellor's Budget next week. Picture: Alamy

By Emma Soteriou

More than 100 MPs have made a plea to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to cut beer duty ahead of his Budget review on Wednesday.

The campaign - led by MP Richard Holden - calls for the Chancellor not to increase alcohol duties and to cut the tax on draught sales to help pubs compete with supermarkets and off licences.

Among those who signed the letter to Mr Sunak were former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan-Smith and ex-Cabinet ministers Alun Cains and Karen Bradley.

It comes after the hospitality sector was one of the areas hit hardest by the pandemic, with many businesses being forced to close as a result.

Read more: Rishi Sunak to outline plans to balance the books in Autumn budget

Read more: Christmas shortage fears: Sunak 'confident' UK will not run out of presents

Rishi Sunak outlines how coronavirus has affected the economy

North West Durham MP Mr Holden said: "Our pubs are the heart and soul of our communities.

"The support given to pubs through furlough and grants throughout the global pandemic has been great but there is no denying that the hospitality sector has been hit harder than any other by the pandemic.

"That is why I am leading the call from over 100 colleagues on the Chancellor to cut draught beer duty.

"A cut will not only significantly bolster our much-loved pubs across our towns and villages, but also have great knock-on effects for British agriculture and employment, especially for young people in our hospitality sector.

"Over 100 fellow Conservative MPs and I hope that after a tough period, the Chancellor will give our pubs and clubs something to raise a drink to this Budget."

Read more: MPs' fury as 'Festival of Brexit' rebranded with no mention of leaving the EU

The Budget and Spending Review will take place on October 27.

It will see the Chancellor set out how he plans to balance the books after a number of difficult decisions on how to repair the economy following the Covid pandemic.

Mr Sunak previously said in the Commons that he would "set out how we will continue to invest in public services and drive growth while keeping the public finances on a sustainable path".

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

WATCH: Three family members of Sara Sharif were arrested at Gatwick Airport for her muder

WATCH: Moment police board plane and arrest fugitive family of schoolgirl Sara Sharif on suspicion of murder

Craig pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual offences against a teenage pupil

Ex-teacher jailed after he 'groomed' and sexually assaulted pupil in classroom cupboard

A 22-year-old woman died from a stab injury at Spenlow House on Jamaica Road, Bermondsey

Boy, 17, jailed for stabbing woman, 22, to death in 'laughing gas-fuelled row' on Christmas Eve

Jackie Scully will trek 100km across the Sahara desert to mark 10 years since she was given the all-clear

Breast cancer survivor to trek 100km across Sahara desert to mark 10 years since getting all-clear

Flooding And Heavy Rain In Valencia Region Of Spain

What we have seen in Spain these last days is a preview of the future if we do not take action on climate change

Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new Conservative Party leader

New Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says 'huge job' ahead involves 'people we want to bring back to Conservative Party'

Janey Godley has died at the age of 63

Scottish comedian Janey Godley died in hospital 'surrounded by her loved ones' aged 63 following battle with cancer

Exclusive
Anthony Scaramucci

Anthony Scaramucci says 'garbage' comments made at Trump rally have 'lit up' Puerto Ricans - and could swing election

billy nighy

Billy Nighy 'stole complete works of Shakespeare from library' to prepare for drama school audition

v

Winner in Conservative leadership contest to be announced this morning

Palma is on lockdown amid warnings of heavy rain

Majorca on lockdown as tourist hotspot faces flooding horror after storm kills more than 200

UK GP visiting senior woman at home

Care homes and GPs could face closure under Labour tax plans, health leaders warn

Rebekah Vardy 'threatens to reignite war with Coleen Rooney'

Rebekah Vardy launches appeal against Wagatha Christie £1.8m costs ruling

Alexandra Palace Hosts Its Annual Fireworks Display Ahead Of Bonfire Night

Bonfire night 2024 forecast: What will the weather be like for fireworks night?

Darrian Williams

Two teen boys found guilty after 16-year-old stabbed to death by masked attackers in Bristol park

Westminster Protest

'Betrayed' farmers to protest over Labour's inheritance tax raid - as Chancellor insists changes are 'fair'