Farron pledges support for pubs and brewers

Tim Farron has today pledged to support local pubs and breweries by signing up to the three key pledges proposed by the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).

The three pledges are highlighted in the Manifesto for Pubs and Real Ale by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, which sets out a package of reforms they are seeking from the next Government. These important pledges are to:

• Support well-run community pubs
• Promote Britain's 1,300 breweries
• Represent pub goers and beer drinkers.

Recent research by Oxford Economics found that in Westmorland and Lonsdale there are 11 breweries and 129 pubs, providing employment to 2,323 local people both directly and indirectly. The figures show that our area has the 4th highest number of breweries in the UK.

Tim Page, CAMRA's Chief Executive welcomed Tim Farron's support, saying: "We are delighted that Tim Farron has pledged their support for pubs, breweries and consumers. As, on average, 29 pubs close each week it is absolutely vital that our elected representatives recognise and champion the value of these important community assets, and work to protect them.

"CAMRA is urging the next Government to act to ensure that pubs are better protected in the planning system, that large pub companies treat their licensees fairly and that beer duty is set at a level which supports UK brewing."

Tim added: "I am proud to be speaking up for pubs and real ale. Well-run community pubs play a crucial role in local life and make a huge contribution to the local economy - with each injecting around £80,000 to the local area every year.

"If re-elected, I will continue to show my support in Parliament."