Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, has received a special award today, for his work in helping to secure last year’s historic cut in beer duty in the Budget.
Gavin was presented with the new ‘Beer Champion’ award, as well as a new beer brewed especially for the occasion.
The award is a joint initiative from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA). It was given in recognition of Gavin’s efforts on behalf of Britain’s national drink, during 2013, and for his support in scrapping the Beer Duty Escalator, which lead to the momentous cut in Beer Duty. All three bodies have joined forces again, this year, and are campaigning for a freeze in duty in this year’s Budget on 19th March.
Brewing and pubs are vital to the local economy in every part of the country. South Staffordshire alone is home to 85 pubs and three breweries. The industry is responsible for supplying a total of 2274 jobs (1129 direct jobs) in the constituency, providing £30m in wages and a £63.9m contribution towards our GDP.
Gavin said: “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.”
Campden BRI, which provides research, analysis and consultancy to the brewing industry worldwide, was chosen to create the special limited-edition bottled beer for Parliament. The beer was brewed by Ed Wray, Campden BRI’s brewer and maltster at the company’s brewing division in Nutfield, Surrey.
Ed chose to brew a traditional, British India Pale Ale (IPA) using two new British hops – Jester and Endeavour. The company’s pilot malting and bottling plant are normally used by companies to assist with new product development, so were ideal for creating this very limited edition ale.
Michael Benner, Chief Executive of CAMRA, said: “This reward recognises Gavin for his invaluable support in the campaign to scrap the beer duty escalator. Gavin really helped in drawing attention to the harm caused by tax increases totalling 42 percent over four years.”
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Asslociation, said: “I want to thank Gavin for making a huge difference in achieving the historic duty cut in 2013. We are delighted to honour this achievement in the best way possible – with a great new beer.”
Keith Bott, SIBA chairman, said: “The small, local brewers, who make up the bulk of SIBA’s membership, applaud the work of Gavin in the campaign to scrap the Beer Duty Escalator last year. Brewers now feel more confident about the future of the UK’s brewery industry, and able to make long term business plans.”