CAMRA Urges Pubs Minister Appointment
13 May 2010
By Jenni Hollis
This morning, CAMRA wrote to the new Prime Minister, seeking the appointment of a Minister for Pubs. The appointment would help boost the protection of pubs, which play a vital role in the economic, social and cultural life of the nation, yet are closing at a rate of six a day.
CAMRA has highlighted that there are many exceptionally well qualified candidates for such a post, including Greg Mulholland MP and Nigel Evans MP. Greg Mulholland MP is the winner of CAMRA's 2010 Parliamentarian of the Year Award and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Save The Pubs Group. Nigel Evans MP is Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group and co-chaired the Group's Community Pub Inquiry.
Mike Benner, CAMRA Chief Executive said:
"It is a positive sign that the new Prime Minister chose to enjoy a pint in his local community pub on Election Night. CAMRA hopes that the new Government will include a Minister for Pubs tasked with safeguarding the future of the nation's pubs.
"A dedicated Minister for Pubs is vital to ensure that the fate of community pubs does not fall through the gaps between these Government Departments."
CAMRA is encouraging its 110,000 members to contact the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister (
camerond@parliament.uk and
cleggn@parliament.uk respectively) and ask them to support the reappointment of a Minister for Pubs.