Mike has used his Westminster Hall debut as Shadow Minister for Business and Trade to advocate for pubs and the hospitality sector ahead of the Chancellor’s budget next week.
During a Westminster Hall debate on Support for Pubs and Hospitality, Mike expressed his support for the sector and praised a bar in the constituency, Love & Liquor in Codsall, for hosting a weekly ‘Warm Hub’ meet-up, bringing together 60 or more people each Wednesday morning for coffee, conversation, and a bite to eat.
In his speech, Mike made several requests to the new government, including opposing a suspected increase in employer National Insurance contributions and the proposed ban on smoking in beer gardens.
Mike said:
“The new government made a lot of promises before the election, some of which they now seem to be trying to row back from.
“The pubs and hospitality need them to deliver, and to deliver now, starting with next week's Budget, the Chancellor needs to start with a cut to alcohol duties.
“Above all, the Chancellor needs to finally publish her replacement for business rates with a new system that is fair to the hospitality sector, which pays a disproportionate share of business rate receipts.”
Mike also suggested widening the draught beer duty differential to reduce the cost of draught beers and ciders in pubs, bars, and restaurants, ensuring that targeted support reaches where it is most needed.
