Southport MP joins calls to secure the future of the great British cider industry.

Damien Moore, MP for Southport, has joined the cider industry in calling on the Government to futureproof the economic and cultural contribution of an integral and distinct part of our great British heritage.  

Mr. Moore recently met with members and representatives of the cider industry in Westminster to highlight the important role that the cider industry plays across the UK and in areas such as Southport, home to some 65 pubs and bars, and 200 restaurants.

At the event, Damien Moore MP discussed how crucial it is that proposed changes to alcohol duty support the cider industry, which is facing unprecedented conditions, threatening centuries of tradition. Cider drinking has declined 44% in the last 12 years, with its share of the total alcohol market now standing at only 4.6%.  

The Government is currently reviewing how it sets alcohol duty. Overall, the proposals will punish the sector, burdening more traditional ciders with unsustainable increases in excise duty, which is damaging for both pubs and consumers.  

Mr. Moore therefore joins calls for the Treasury to ensure that proposals encourage cider making, avoid increasing duty on the majority of ciders, and encourage greater innovation through fairer treatment of fruit ciders.  

From farms to pubs and shops, cider makes a big contribution to the British economy supporting thousands of jobs across the UK, as well as being a favourite in pubs across the country, including in Southport.

Cider is integral to communities across the UK. Without the cider industry, 16,500 acres of apple orchards and 35% of all UK-grown apples would be at risk, as would the communities that rely on them.

Every year some 500,000 tourists visit cider makers across the Country against the backdrop of their stunning cider apple orchards. 

Damien Moore, MP for Southport, said: 

“The cider industry plays a crucial role in our national heritage, culture, and economy, whether it’s supporting livelihoods or simply being enjoyed in pubs up and down the country, especially in Southport. “The new alcohol duty system will likely be finalised in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement 2022 next week, and I believe it is vital that the Government fulfil its promise to secure the future of this important industry.  “Therefore, I’m joining calls for the Government to stick to its pledge to reduce the duty on apple cider, which will support cider makers, farmers growing cider apples, and local publicans alike.   “It’s vital that people show their support for this integral industry as every voice matters, so I urge local residents to learn more about the role cider plays in supporting great local communities such as Southport.”