MP Jess Brown-Fuller (pictured front right) met members of CAMRA’s Western Sussex branch at the Bell Inn, Chichester, to discuss the pressures facing pubs and hospitality businesses across the constituency.

Brown-Fuller said: “Pubs are the beating heart of so many of our communities in Chichester, and it’s clear from speaking to CAMRA that the pressures facing licensees are only getting worse.

“My working life started in pubs and saw first-hand the important role they play in creating a community where all generations can come together.”

She has consistently raised the issue in parliament, including written questions about proposed changes to planning policy HC6.

She warned the changes could make it easier for pubs to be demolished or converted without nearby communities having a meaningful say.

The MP has also signed two Early Day Motions in support of the sector.

EDM 2350 calls for business rates reform and a reduction in VAT from 20 per cent to 15 per cent.

Brown-Fuller said: “I’ve heard the same message time and again: pubs want to not just survive, but thrive, and they need government to stop treating them as an afterthought.

“That means real reform of business rates, a fairer deal on VAT and support that recognises what pubs contribute to community life.”

She said: “I’ll keep raising these issues in parliament and working with groups like CAMRA to make sure all our local pubs are heard.”

The Western Sussex CAMRA branch covers Chichester, Bognor Regis, Midhurst and the surrounding villages.