Local MP Marcus Jones has received a special award for his work in helping to secure last year’s historic cut in beer duty in the Budget. Marcus was presented with the new ‘Beer Champion’ award, including a truly unique new beer brewed especially for the occasion.

The special award is a joint initiative from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) all of whom wanted to recognise the role of Marcus who supported Britain’s national drink during 2013, especially for his support in scrapping the Beer Duty Escalator, which lead to the momentous cut in Beer Duty. 

Brewing and pubs are vital to the local economy in every part of the country. All three bodies have joined forces again this year, and are campaigning for a freeze in duty in this year’s Budget on 19th March.

Commenting, Marcus said: “I am pleased to have been recognised for my role in the campaign to persuade the Chancellor to cut beer duty. Whilst it may sound trivial, over 1,300 people in Nuneaton are employed either directly or indirectly by the beer and pub industry, so the cut in beer duty has particular importance for them and our Town.”

Campden BRI which provides research, analysis and consultancy to the brewing industry worldwide, was chosen to create the special limited-edition bottled beer for Parliament. The beer was brewed by Ed Wray, Campden BRI’s brewer and maltster at the company’s brewing division in Nutfield, Surrey.  Ed chose to brew a traditional, British India Pale Ale (IPA) using two new British hops – Jester and Endeavour. The company’s pilot maltings and bottling plant are normally used by companies to assist with new product development, so were ideal for creating this very limited edition ale.

Mike Benner, Chief Executive of CAMRA, comments: “This reward recognises Marcus’s invaluable support in the campaign to scrap the beer duty escalator. He really helped in drawing attention to the harm caused by tax increases totaling 42 per cent over four years.”

Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, comments: “I want to thank Marcus for making a huge difference in achieving the historic duty cut in 2013. We are delighted to honour this achievement in the best way possible – with a great new beer.”

Keith Bott, SIBA chairman, said: “The small, local brewers, who make up the bulk of SIBA’s membership, applaud the work of Marcus in the campaign to scrap the Beer Duty Escalator last year.  Brewers now feel more confident about the future of the UK’s brewing industry, and able to make long term business plans.”