York MPs respond to Conservative claims of Labour ‘pub tax’

Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton and shadow communities secretary, said that the Labour government is “coming” for the local pub.

The statement follows Conservative Party research, which says more than 150 pubs in York will face extra tax bills averaging almost £8,000 in the new financial year.

“Labour’s war on pubs will load tens of thousands of extra costs onto pubs, raise the price of a pint, put jobs in jeopardy and put our pubs at risk of closure,” Mr Hollinrake said.

The Conservative Party has now launched its ‘save your local’ campaign.

Mr Hollinrake added: “Pubs are at the heart of our towns and cities, and we must protect them from Keir ‘no beer’ Starmer.

“Under new leadership the Conservatives will always back Britain’s pubs.”

The Press reported on York Central MP Rachael Maskell’s call for the government to “fix” the sector, and support local pubs.

In response to Mr Hollinrake’s claims, Ms Maskell said: “The (pub) business model is feudal in nature, placing all the risk on local publicans while the pub companies cream off the profits through the extortionate cost pressures they bring on their tenants.

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“While I welcome pubs paying their staff the uplift in the national minimum wage, not least with the high cost of living in York, we need government to overhaul the whole sector to ensure that businesses are viable in the future.”

The Conservatives pointed at Labour’s rise in National Insurance contributions for employers and “less generous” business rates. They also mentioned proposals to ban smoking outside pubs as part of their argument.

Ms Maskell added: “National Insurance contributions are part of the mix, alongside business costs and wages. I look forward to following up with the minister as we need our locals to thrive in our communities across York and the country.

“Rather than shouting slogans from the side lines, I am working with the minister to reform the pub sector.” 

Luke Charters, MP for York Outer, said that the ‘war on pubs’ was committed by the Tories during the party’s 14-year administration.

“Now they’re crying into their pints, hoping people forget who created this mess,” he said. “Labour is backing our locals by cutting beer and cider duty in pubs, boosting business support, and driving regional growth. 

“With York’s thriving hospitality scene, positive measures in the budget and welcome investment in our High Streets through the Mayor, David Skaith, our pubs have a bright future—no thanks to Tory neglect.”