CAMRA has today announced that 500 election candidates from across the parties have pledged support for community pubs and real ale ahead of the General Election. CAMRA has issued a challenge to each of the parties to get their candidates to add their support.
The 500 candidates have pledged to:
- Support well-run community pubs
- Promote Britain’s 1,300 breweries
- Represent pub goers and beer drinkers
Candidates from 350 constituencies backed the campaign. So far Labour candidates have shown the most support with 167 backing the pledges, with Conservatives at 108, Liberal Democrats at 103, the Green Party at 76 and finally UKIP with 31.
CAMRA’s Chief Executive Tim Page commented:
“CAMRA is delighted that 500 General Election candidates have committed to back real ale and community pubs. It’s looking like a three horse race to win the title of “Most Pro-Pub Party” with Labour, Conservatives and the Lib Dems all having over 100 candidates signed up already. This overwhelming response from candidates is great news for beer drinkers and pub goers alike and will be crucial to CAMRA delivering yet more successful campaigns over the next five years.”
With 29 pubs a week currently closing in the UK, CAMRA say it is essential that future MPs pledge their support for the pub and beer industry, an industry which it is clear people still believe to be important – with 75% of pub-goers* saying a well-run community pub is as important to community life as a post office, local shop or community centre.
“Pubs are hugely important and deserve to be properly protected and supported. CAMRA want to see action in the next Parliament from newly elected MPs and we are urging all parties to include commitments in their manifestos to supporting real ale and community pubs.” Tim added.
A full list of supportive candidates is available here
Candidates can sign up to support here
Political Parties Breakdown
Labour | 167 |
Conservative | 108 |
Lib Dem | 103 |
Green | 76 |
UKIP | 31 |
Other | 15 |
TOTAL | 500 |
CAMRA Regional Breakdown:
South East Region | 74 |
South West Region | 71 |
Eastern Region | 56 |
North West Region | 52 |
Yorkshire and the Humber Region | 51 |
Greater London Region | 43 |
West Midlands Region | 43 |
East Midlands Region | 43 |
Wales | 33 |
Scotland | 20 |
North East Region | 14 |
TOTAL | 500 |