BBPA to list election candidates that back its save the pub campaign

General Election candidates are being urged to support the British Beer and Pub Association's (BBPA) “I’m backing the pub” campaign, as it plans to publish a list of politicians’ names and whether or not they have signed up.

The campaign, which is also backed by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), will publish a full list on its website, www.backthepub.com, in March.

The campaign's organisers claim they have signed up 100,000 members of the public to the cause. 'I'm backing the pub' was launched to promote British pubs as an essential part of British community life.

Emails are being sent out to all candidates of the three main national political parties, as well as the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru. The 100,000 public supporters will also be urged to contact candidates in their particular constituencies.

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “The British people value British pubs. More than eight out of ten believe their local is an important part of community life, yet dozens of pubs are closing every week.

“More needs to be done to support this essential British institution and the General Election is a unique opportunity for candidates of all parties to tell voters how they will do so.

“We are therefore asking all candidates to join 100,000 supporters and pledge their support for our “I’m backing the pub” campaign – and we will publish the list of those who do and those who don’t.”

Julian Grocock, chief executive of SIBA, said: "Pubs are an integral part of Britain's rich culture, our national heritage, and community life - and beer has always been a key part of what makes pubs so special.

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By Neil Gerrard

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