MP backs British pints and British pubs

August 9, 2007: Invited to open the 30th anniversary Great British Beer Festival, MP Sir Nicholas Winterton launched into a fierce defence of the UK ale industry.

To the delight of the crowd, he declared: "There is nothing that I love more than a good pint of British beer.

"It is, undoubtedly, the finest in the world."

He said the sale of good quality real ale was an important sign of quality in our pubs too. "Our pubs are at the heart of our communities — much more needs to be done to support our community pubs."

Sir Nicholas even criticised his own (Conservative) party for suggestion duty rises to combat the binge drinking problem. He believed a duty increase of 10% would force drinkers to buy their beer in supermarkets, where it is often sold as a loss leader.

The way to tackle binge drinking, he said, was through education in school years and by offering better support for that small proportion of the population who have a problem with drink.

Sir Nicholas, who had recently been given a lifetime award by CAMRA in recognition of services to real ale and the public house, described the organisation as "a great body of people".

He shared the stage with Champion Beer of Britain MC and Good Beer Guide editor Roger Protz. The two do not share many political views, but Mr Protz responded, with a smile: "Thank you Comrade Winterton. I must be getting old when I agree with everything he says!"

He also shared CAMRA's concerns over the proposed introduction of plastic glasses.