Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Member of Parliament for Solihull West & Shirley, has renewed his call to protect the local hospitality industry by urging residents to sign the ‘Save The Local’ petition, in response to damaging economic decisions imposed by the Labour Government.
Speaking today, Dr Shastri-Hurst said:
Pubs are more than just places to grab a drink; they’re the cornerstone of our communities. Here in Solihull West & Shirley, our locals bring neighbours together, support jobs, and form a vital part of our local economy. That's exactly why I launched the ‘Best Local Pub’ competition, to showcase and celebrate the fantastic pubs we're so fortunate to have. But these cherished institutions are now at risk, threatened by Labour's recent Budget and the new Employment Rights Bill.”
Labour’s recent Budget decisions pose three significant threats to pubs nationwide:
- Labour’s tax raid will hit pubs in Solihull especially hard, with bills set to surge by an average of £12,955, one of the steepest rises in the country.
- Each pub faces an extra £7,200 burden in wage costs as a result of the National Insurance hike.
- New red tape is piling unrealistic demands onto hardworking small business owners.
Altogether, these mounting costs are putting the very survival of our local pubs at serious risk.
“These measures are deeply concerning,” Dr Shastri-Hurst continued. “They threaten the viability of our pubs and the livelihoods they support. That is why I am urging every resident who values their local to stand up and be counted by signing the petition.”
Residents can add their voice to the campaign by signing the petition at www.SaveTheLocal.com.
