Henry Smith MP has been honoured as a Beer Champion at an event in Parliament, in recognition of his work in support of Crawley pubs.

At the event, Henry was presented with a certificate and souvenir pump clip by the British Beer & Pub Association and SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers.

Henry said;

“I am grateful to the British Beer & Pub Association and the Society of Independent Brewers for recognising my support for this Government securing historic cuts in beer duty in the 2013 and 2014 Budgets.

“Of course, this event focused on the campaign to scrap the beer duty escalator, and I will continue to stand up for Crawley’s pubs.”

Henry is also supporting a third, consecutive duty cut in this year’s Budget, as beer and pubs support vital jobs in Crawley and across the country.

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 this Parliament. It recognises acts of advocacy in Parliament, in votes, supportive motions, and debates.

In particular, the award highlights Henry’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.

Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, added:

“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.”