Local MP Heather Wheeler has been recognised for her support of the ‘Long Live the Local’ campaign and helping to secure consecutive freezes in beer duty. Heather Wheeler was presented with the ‘Beer Champion’ award, a unique tap-handle trophy created especially for the occasion.
The special award is an initiative from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) to recognise the role of Heather Wheeler MP and other MPs from across the House, in supporting Britain’s national drink since the 2017 General Election. The successive freezes in beer duty, which Heather supported, secured thousands of jobs and millions of pounds worth of investment for the brewing and pubs sector.
Brewing and pubs are vital to the local economy in every part of the country. The campaign is pushing for a cut in beer duty in this year’s Budget and so far over 90,000 people have supported the petition, including 181 in the South Derbyshire constituency alone.
Heather Wheeler MP commented:
“I have always been a strong supporter of local pubs and the brewing industry knowing how much they contribute to the economy. In South Derbyshire in 2018 we had 93 pubs which supported almost 1300 jobs and we had 5 breweries and together they contributed £13.8 million in taxes. I will always speak up for the industry and will champion a cut in beer duty to ensure our pubs and breweries continue to thrive.”
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, added:
“This award recognises Heather Wheeler MP for her invaluable support for the Great British pub and Britain’s historic brewing industry. I want to thank Heather for the work done in securing two beer duty freezes in this parliament, and for her support for the brewing and pubs sector since the 2017 election.”