MEP calls for action to save the Great British Pub

Wednesday, September 7 2011

West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass has pledged to support a major national campaign aimed at raising a glass to the Great British pub.

The UKIP MEP is urging people from the West Midlands to back National Pub Week.

UKIP has become the first party to support this year’s initiative which aims to promote British pubs and spotlight the contribution they make to their local communities.

National Pub Week is now in its third year and runs from Friday, October 28 to Sunday, November 6. During the week public houses across the country will put on a host of events in a bid to highlight the benefits of the British pub.

Mr Nattrass, who is a member of the EU’s Transport and Tourism Committee, said: “The British pub is a tradition which is at the heart of our local communities.

“Pubs boost tourism and create employment but sadly dozens of pubs are closing each week. Action is urgently needed to end this terrible trend.

“UKIP is leading the way by calling for action to end the decline of the British pub.

“A Royal Commission on the pub trade is needed and I urge the people of the West Midlands to support this move by signing the e-petition calling for this investigation,” he added.

Inez Ward, chairman of British Pub Week, said: “We are pleased to have the full party support of UKIP and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support.

“We are hopeful that other parties would like to follow the lead of UKIP. Pubs are important to communities and for social cohesion, are of a benefit to the national economy and tourism, and deserve cross party support.

“It is imperative that there is now a full and independent investigation of the public house trade and therefore we urge all to sign the e-petition for a Royal Commission investigation.”

The e-petition can be found at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/6844