West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called on the Chancellor to act on beer duty in the upcoming Budget to help more local pubs to stay open.

And the MP attended an event in Westminster hosted by the British Beer and Pub Association to show support for a national campaign to help more pubs stay open.

Brewing and pubs supports 1334 jobs and contributes just over £40 million to the local economy in West Worcestershire.

Harriett commented: “Pubs are often the hub of their local community and we all value the work they do.

“There are over 130 pubs in West Worcestershire and each of these is an important local business offering jobs, especially to young people.

“I’ve joined the hospitality industry asking for the Chancellor to have a look at the current tax regime and ensure that the right conditions are in place to protect these valued local assets.”

British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin added: “Beer duty has increased by 60 per cent over the last 17 years and now the UK has one of the highest rates of tax in Europe.

“When over two thirds of all alcoholic drinks purchased in the pub are beers, a cut in beer tax would go a long way to protecting pubs across West Worcestershire.

“We are very grateful to Harriett Baldwin for their support for the Long Live the Local campaign, and hope that the Government listens to MPs across Parliament and the thousands of people across the country who are calling for a cut in beer tax to protect our pubs.”