Milton Keynes MP calls for government to bail out independent breweries during coronavirus crisis

The MP, who mentioned MK's own Concrete Cow in his maiden speech after he was elected, believes small breweries will not survive the crisis without immediate help.

And he feels this would "impoverish" local communities.

"Opening pubs is the focus of Ministers right now, but ensuring we have quality, local beers to drink in them when they open should also demand our attention," he said,

Mr Everitt's letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak has already gained cross party support from dozens of other MPs.

The letter asks the government to halve beer duty for all independent brewers and give them a break from paying business rates.

It states: "We believe that without immediate assistance now and as we emerge from this crisis, there is a danger that many breweries will simply not reopen, impoverishing our local communities.. We hope that you will give serious consideration to our recommendations and concerns."

The request comes at a time when the government is carefully considering when and how to allow all pubs and bars to re-open across the UK.

Mr Everitt said: "While the government has introduced significant financial measures during the Covid-19 crisis, the UK’s 2,000 small independent brewers have not received the same level of help as pubs, bars and restaurants, despite being some of the hardest hit."

He said beer production was at a record low because of the pandemic. Sales among the UK’s craft brewers have dropped 82 per cent and around 65 per cent of the UK’s breweries have been forced to mothball their operations during lockdown.

“Small independent brewers are at the centre of our local communities, supporting jobs and the economy and many MPs recognise the important role they play.

“With Covid-19, the industry has been devastated by the sudden closure of pubs but brewers have not received the same level of financial support from the government. Without immediate assistance now and longer term measures there is a danger that many brewers won’t be able to reopen or survive into the future."

Chief executive of the Society of Independent Brewers, James Calder, said: “There are around 2000 small independent brewers in the UK, and nearly every Member of Parliament has at least one brewer in their patch creating great beer and employing local people.

“If the Chancellor were to enact what we are calling for, we have a fighting chance of survival. Without these reforms, thousands of skilled jobs in breweries and in the supply chain will be lost.”