Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

STOCKPORT PUBS AT RISK, WARNS LOCAL MP

July 13, 2009 2:51 PM

Andrew StunellHazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell has warned that last week's defeat in the Commons of plans to cut the tax on beer threatens the future of many pubs in Stockport.

The Liberal Democrats last week put forward a motion to have the alcohol tax escalator - which sees duty go up 2% above inflation every year - scrapped.

Mr Stunell and the Liberal Democrat voted in favour of the amendment, which was lost by 62 votes to 311. The Conservatives, despite pledging to save local pubs, didn't even bother to turn up for the vote.

25 pubs have closed across Stockport since 2005, and many more are struggling to survive in the recession. Now Mr Stunell says that pub campaigners will be astonished that the promise of support for their fight from the Conservatives has proved empty.

Commenting, Andrew Stunell said:

"I have had scores of local residents contact me in the last few weeks to say they want Parliament to safeguard the future of Stockport pubs, and to back a cut in beer duty. Last week MPs had the chance to do just that as the final stages of the Budget were voted on.

"Sadly Conservative MPs sat on their hands at the vital moment, and only the Liberal Democrats backed the crucial vote, leaving Alistair Darling's beer tax unscathed and our local pubs at risk."

"Their latest u-turn comes at a time when respect for politicians is at an all-time low, and I am sure they will live to regret it."

ENDS

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Andrew Stunell, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, Andrew Stunell, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    andrewstunell.org.uk/en/article/2009/032056/stockport-pubs-at-risk-warns-local-mp
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    stunell.co.uk/a61lL

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image

    Print this page

  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Andrew Stunell, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join the Liberal Democrats

  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Hazel Grove constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you agree, Andrew Stunell, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Contact us by email, post, or phone