Our local pubs and breweries are under immense strain. This started with external factors like Energy costs and rising supplier prices. This has been further compounded by the government's actions like their changes to business rates and other tax changes have all added pressure. Certainly, the government should be doing more to help.

The Liberal Democrats have long called for a fair deal for hospitality. We want to replace the outdated business rates system with a Commercial Landowner Levy, shifting the burden away from small high-street operators like pubs. 

We have also argued that small and medium-sized businesses should be exempt from the recent rise in employer National Insurance, helping to keep staff costs under control. The tax rise in national insurance contributions has been a disastrous decision, massively hindering the economic growth we need to sustainably fund our state. 

On energy, the party continues to press for better support for small businesses exposed to high bills and to help them invest in efficiency measures. We have also consistently called on the Government to cut beer duty to support pubs and breweries, recognising their value to local communities.

Whilst Labour was attacking pubs in their budget, I am proud the Liberal Democrats were campaigning to support pubs and hospitality in our budget proposals. The key proposal in this was a 5% cut to VAT paid by hospitality, this aims to drive economic growth, restore our high streets and give the country a much-needed morale boost.

Pubs are about far more than profit - they are part of our shared life, a cornerstone of British culture, and every closure is a real loss. I will make sure ministers are aware of the need for practical support in the Budget, and I will continue working with my Liberal Democrat colleagues pressing for a fairer system that backs local businesses over large chains or online competitors.