The Tories have accused Reform UK of ‘fantasy numbers’ after leading publicans swung behind Nigel Farage’s plans to save British pubs this week.
As the Government faces a huge backlash from the industry over high taxes, Reform has unveiled a series of eye-catching policies to support struggling pubs.
These include pledges to cut VAT in the hospitality sector to 10 per cent and beer duty by 10 per cent.
Farage’s party has also promised to reverse the recent rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions (NICs) for the industry and slowly remove business rates for all pubs.
Reform said it would raise the £3billion it says the moves would cost by reinstating the two-child benefit cap.
This won the backing of two of Britain’s biggest pub chains – Fuller’s and JD Wetherspoon.
Nigel Farage launches Reform UK’s Save Our Pubs campaign
JD Wetherspoon boss Sir Tim Martin, who runs around 800 pubs, said that: ‘Reform is streets ahead in its pubs policy.’
His remarks echoed those of Fuller’s boss Simon Emeny, who said Reform’s plans come after what ‘has been probably the best part of 20 years of government failure towards pubs’.
But Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride hit back over the promises, declaring: ‘More fantasy numbers from Reform.’
He said the pledges would ‘blow a £10billion hole in the public finances’ and were ‘totally irresponsible’.
He added: ‘Their sums just don’t add up. How can anyone trust a word Reform say if they won’t explain where any of it comes from?’
Reform has been vying for publicans’ backing after Labour was forced to water down planned business rates rise for pubs and music venues.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves last month announced a 15 per cent discount on pubs’ bills after a furious reaction to her Budget, which saw 1,500 publicans ban Labour MPs from their premises.
Although pubs will now receive help on business rates, they are still struggling with higher costs, including wages and alcohol duty.
Sir Tim said he felt Reform was ‘streets ahead’ of other political parties when it came to helping the sector.
He said: ‘By eliminating the tax differential between supermarkets and the hospitality industry, and restoring margins to devastated businesses, these changes would enable pubs to regain some, or all, of their lost trade.’
Sir Tim, who has long railed against the difference between supermarket and pub taxes, told The Mail this week: ‘Although I campaigned in the referendum, I’ve stayed out of party politics for most of my life, albeit I’ve always commented specifically on issues which affect pubs.’
He said he believes that ‘in this case, Reform is streets ahead in its pubs policy’ but he was not commenting on its overall policies and would not say who he would vote for.
Following Reform’s policy announcement, a British Beer and Pub Association spokesperson said: ‘Given the unique and treasured role pubs play in our communities, culture, and job market, we’re pleased that political parties of all stripes are recognising the value of the local and want to ensure their success.
‘Significantly reducing the overall tax burden and cost of doing business, are key to ensuring pubs remain at the heart of communities, boost the economy, and keep people in jobs. It is important that all pub-operating models are supported to enable this.’
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