CHANGES IN BEER DUTY

That this House is concerned that despite cuts in duty, the UK retains the second-highest level of beer duty in Europe, with the nation paying almost 40 per cent of all EU excise despite consuming around 12 per cent of produced beer within its boundaries; believes that cutting such duty could play a crucial role in helping struggling pubs stay open, create jobs and support local communities, increase investment in brewing and pubs and keep a lid on price increases; and calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to review present arrangements and to examine how to support both the industry itself and those who live and work in its shadows.