Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, was once again honoured with unique ‘Beer Champions’ Award in Parliament last night, after fighting for a cut the beer duty escalator in the Budget.
Gavin who champions Britain’s beer industry has been honoured with a unique award in Parliament and was presented with a certificate and souvenir pump clip by the British Beer & Pub Association and SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers.
The special award is a joint initiative from the BBPA and SIBA, who wanted to recognise the role of MPs who supported Britain’s national drink during the 2010-2015 Parliament. It recognises acts of advocacy in Parliament, in votes, supportive motions, and debates. Gavin has spoken in Parliament in favour of a cut in the beer duty escalator in the past including securing a debate on the matter.
In particular, the award highlights Gavin’s support in securing historic consecutive cuts in beer duty in the 2013 and 2014 Budgets, helping to safeguard jobs and investment, and keeping beer affordable for consumers.
Brewing and pubs are vital to the local economy in every part of the country. South Staffordshire alone is home to 74 pubs and three breweries. The industry is responsible for supplying a total of 1,958 jobs in the constituency, providing £27.5m in wages.
Gavin said: “I am so honoured to have been presented with the Beer Champions’ Award once again. Pubs form the heart of many of our local communities and play an incredibly important role within the social life of numerous village residents. Many of Britain’s independent pubs, today, are struggling and we need to do all that we can to support this important national industry and ensure its survival in the generations to come.”
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, adds: “MPs of all parties made a huge difference in achieving the historic duty cuts in 2013 and 2014, and deserve our thanks and recognition. We are delighted to honour their contribution to this achievement. I hope even more MPs will join calls for a third duty cut in this year’s Budget on 18th March.”
Mike Benner, Managing Director of SIBA, comments: “We are enormously grateful to the MPs whose support for British beer over recent years has created a far more optimistic outlook for our industry. As a result of the consecutive beer duty cuts, our members feel more confident about the future of British brewing and are investing in their business and creating local employment, with an estimated 1,600 new jobs in SIBA breweries last year.
“With at least one independent brewery now operating in almost every parliamentary constituency, the Beer Champions announced today will I’m sure be invited to celebrate their success in their home town, with a pint of great, locally brewed beer.”