MP launches Proud of Pubs week in Manchester Withington

3.52.52pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th Jul 2010

At the Farmer's Arms Pub in Burnage Local MP John Leech has added his support to the Publican's Proud of Pub's week campaign by catching a quick pint.

The new coalition has already started as it means to go on with a freeze on beer tax and the abolition of the Labour proposed increase in cider tax.

The local MP grabbed a pint with his staff members on Friday afternoon following one of his weekly advice surgeries. John has always been partial to the odd real ale and was delighted to hear that of his constituency pubs had introduced a new range of real ales.

John said "I think it very important in these times of austerity that we do not forget great community pubs such as the Farmers Arms. I am a member of the All Party Beer Group in parliament and will continue to support our great British pubs. It is important that we continue to support our pubs and do not allow the supermarkets to drive them out of business as they have done over the last few years under the previous government."

Farmers Arms owner Lawrence Hennigan said, "I was delighted John took time out from his busy schedule to have a pint with me as part of national pub week, my regulars know him to be a good local MP and they were very pleased to see him".

National pub week took place from 19th July to 25th July nationwide.