Environment Secretary to meet with Southport’s food and drink businesses

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, George Eustice MP, has this week pledged to meet with Southport’s food and drink businesses following an invitation from local MP Damien Moore.

At Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs questions in Parliament, Damien Moore MP questioned the Government over what steps they were taking to support the wine and spirit trade in the United Kingdom, considering Southport has many exceptional local pubs, bars, restaurants, and even a specialist wine retailer. 

The food and drink retail and hospitality sector form the bedrock of Southport’s visitor economy, especially as local businesses build themselves back up following the pandemic. As Southport’s local MP, Mr Moore has made clear that the Government should do all it can to support these businesses moving forward, and that a fair duty rate for alcoholic drinks, in particular wine, forms an important part of this.

Mr. Moore looks forward to meeting with alongside constituents and local businesses with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, George Eustice MP, as soon as possible, so that Southport can show off its vibrant and diverse food and drink retail and hospitality industry.

Damien Moore, MP for Southport, said:

“The wine trade, and particularly the trade of wines produced in the UK, play an increasingly important role in Southport's food and drink economy, and I know that many merchants, restaurants, and pubs will have an interest in the proposed duty reforms.

“It is so important that any changes to duty reform are made in full consultation with these businesses, and so I am delighted that the Environment Secretary, whose department has responsibility for food and drink, has agreed to meet with our local businesses and discuss this further.

“Through these meetings, the Secretary of State will be able to hear what further support for the English food and drink industry is needed, what is working well, and what needs improving. This will be an important way for them to feed into decision making right at the top of Government.”