Pendle MP Gordon Prentice took time off to visit the Pendle Beer Festival on Friday 5 February. The MP is a member of the All Party Beer Group which is calling on the government to do more to stop the closure of pubs through the “I’m Backing the Pub” campaign.  Last year the MP took up the cause of a private group attempting to stop the closure of the Trafalgar Hotel in Nelson.

Speaking at the Festival the MP said:  “It is a superb festival showcasing real ales from all around the country – and 9 from East Lancashire. Martyn Pashley, the festival organiser, and all the CAMRA (campaign for real ale) volunteers deserve a huge round of applause for all the work they’ve done. Cheers!”

Note to Editors

The photograph shows Gordon Prentice with Martin Pashley at the Festival.

2. Early Day Motion 687 reads:

I'M BACKING THE PUB CAMPAIGN

That this House welcomes the I'm Backing the Pub campaign by the British Beer and Pub Association, Society of Independent Brewers and supported by the Campaign for Real Ale, the Confederation of British Industry, Visit Britain, British Hospitality Association, Local Government Association, Central Council of Physical Recreation and UK Music to promote British pubs and British beer; believes that pubs lie at the social heart of communities across the country, employ more than half a million people across the UK, and provide an important contribution to national income; recognises the social benefits of the responsible enjoyment of lower-strength drinks like beer; and notes that with more than 50 pubs closing every week it is vital that the Government, industry, local authorities and others work together to support a quintessentially British institution and Britain's national drink as part of efforts to enhance community life and promote economic recovery.