Mark Pritchard MP calls on ministers to visit Shropshire pubs

The Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard has issued a challenge to Treasury Ministers to visit pubs across Shropshire to understand the impact of government policy on the sector.

During a House of Commons statement regarding planned changes to business rates, the MP argued that these venues serve as essential hubs for the area.

The changes are expected to affect the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors.

Mr Pritchard said: “Ministers just don’t get it. Pubs are more than just a place to have a drink. They are at the very heart of communities, and more pub closures will have a huge impact on the local groups, charities, clubs and societies which meet there.”

He highlighted that many local organisations, including the Women’s Institute and pensioner groups, rely on these spaces following the closure of other local amenities.

The MP has invited ministers to leave London to speak directly with landlords in village communities and market towns.

In the House of Commons, Mr Pritchard said:

“The Minister does not have to defect to Reform to get a pint, and I am very happy to show him round the pubs in Shropshire’s villages and market towns. I will show him that pubs are not just about having non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks; they are often at the very heart of village communities.

“Local charities, the women’s institute, pensioner groups and others meet there because the post office or the shop has closed. May I genuinely invite the Minister to get out of London—out of the beltway and out of the bubble—and come to Shropshire?

“He will not be allowed inside pubs, of course, but I can bring him a pint outside when the warmer weather comes. I appeal to him to join me in Shropshire and hear at first hand what pub landlords and owners have to say.”

Dan Tomlinson, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury) replied:

“I do not know what the current Government position is on whether pubs are allowed to sell takeaway pints, but I hope that would be allowed in Shropshire if I were to visit.

“However, I have about 30 pubs in my north London constituency, and I have many conversations with publicans both locally and in my role as Exchequer Secretary.”