THE MP for Skipton attended a Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) event in Parliament to support local pubs and breweries.

Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP attended a Parliamentary drop-in event hosted by CAMRA to discuss measures to support community pubs, local breweries and cider producers in Skipton and Ripon.

The event, held in Portcullis House, was led by CAMRA national chairman Ash Corbett-Collins and aimed to highlight consumer priorities ahead of the upcoming budget on October 30.

CAMRA, a volunteer-led organisation representing over 145,000 pub-goers across the UK, presented its case for a targeted cut in beer and cider duty for drinks served in pubs, as well as the need to extend the 75 per cent Business Rates relief for pubs.

CAMRA's economic modelling indicates increasing the draught duty differential to 20 per cent could create thousands of new jobs and contribute millions to the economy.

Following the event, Mr Smith said: "I was pleased to meet with CAMRA to discuss how we can best support local pubs, breweries and cider producers in Skipton and Ripon.

“Pubs are at the heart of our communities, and ensuring they are supported through fairer Business Rates and reduced duty is essential for their survival.

“I will be raising these important issues with the Chancellor ahead of the budget."