Business of the House

Linsey Farnsworth Excerpts

Thursday 15th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I must confess that I am not fully across the matter, so my reaction is this. If the hon. Lady wishes to expand a little on what she has said, she may seek an Adjournment debate or even a Backbench Business debate; otherwise, I will facilitate a meeting with the relevant Minister so that she can explain her concerns and the Minister can explain, if the Government are able to do anything about it, what we are able to do.

[Linsey Farnsworth (Amber Valley) (Lab)]

It is an indisputable fact that Amber Valley has the best pubs in the country. [Interruption.] It is true: they include the Moot Bar in Alfreton, Tom Said in Ripley and the Tip Inn in Loscoe, near Heanor. I welcome the Government support announced for pubs, including the £4.3 billion for businesses as covid-era business rates relief is phased out. However, increases in valuations mean that many pubs still face sharp increases. What assurance can the Leader of the House give directly to publicans, including those in Amber Valley, that there will still be support for the great British pub and that it will be protected as a community hub?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for championing local pubs. Like her, we hugely value the role they play in our communities, which is why in the Budget we put in £4.3 billion of support over three years to help pubs. We recognise, as I said previously, that some pubs are still worried, which is why the Chancellor has commissioned work to examine a pub support package; that work is ongoing. I also note that Alter Ego beer is on the waiting list for Strangers Bar, so perhaps we can all try it sooner rather than later.