Andrew Griffiths MP, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, visited the Molson Coors Brewery in his Burton Constituency to launch the Beer Group’s new “Brew with your MP” scheme. This new Beer Group initiative encourages MPs to visit their local brewery and brew a beer. The purpose is to increase Parliamentarians’ understanding of how our national drink is made and the crucial role brewing plays in the local economy.
Andrew (pictured left) said “As an MP it is vital to understand the issues facing local employers, so it was a great opportunity to be invited to brew a beer and discuss some of the issues facing the sector”
“When I became Chairman of the Beer Group five years ago we launched a scheme to encourage MPs to work behind the bar in a pub in their constituencies – and 120 MPs took up the offer. With over 1400 breweries across the UK, there is now a brewery in just about every Parliamentary constituency, so my ambition is to get even more MPs to take up this new brewing challenge!”
As he welcomed Andrew to the Burton Brewery, Frederic Landtmeters, Managing Director, Molson Coors UK & Ireland said “We were delighted to welcome the Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group to our famous Burton Brewery. Andrew’s visit was a great opportunity to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities in our industry, and it was brilliant that our people got to talk to him about his plans for the brewing sector.
Andrew has been a great supporter of our industry since he was elected as Burton’s MP and in his role, he continues to be an ever-present voice in calling for fair duty on beer. The three successive duty cuts that the Beer Group has championed have given a much needed boost to beer drinkers across the UK, meaning that a trip to the pub remains an affordable pleasure.
Government policy will always have an enormous impact on the beer and brewing industry. We know that 900,000 people are employed making and selling beer across the UK and with the right environment, we’re confident that we can create even more jobs. That’s why events like this, and schemes like ‘Brew with your MP’ are a great way of showing off both the industry’s achievements and potential!”
Brewers who interested in inviting their MP to brew should contact Paul Hegarty, Honorary Secretary to the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group to find out more.