YORKSHIRE’S brewing industry has called on Parliament for support at a reception for the Yorkshire Beer and Pub Association.

Representatives from breweries including Theakston’s Brewery and Black Sheep Brewery, based in Masham, attended the event to speak about the benefits the brewing sector brings to the national economy, and ways politicians could support it.

More than 35 MPs attended including Harrogate MP Andrew Jones and senior members of the Treasury, to hear concerns of the brewing trade.

Parliamentarians were treated to samples of world famous Yorkshire beers, such as Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, Theakston’s Old Peculier, Black Sheep Bitter, Daleside Crackshot, and Little Valley Brewery’s Python IPA.

Chairman of the Yorkshire Beer and Pub Association (YBPA), director of Theakston’s Brewery Simon Theakston, said the Government could help by supporting the industry’s campaign to freeze beer tax in the Budget, and by signing Early Day Motion 599 for community pubs and business rates and 892, for beer duty.

Mr Jones said: “A successful brewing industry is critical to the future of community pubs.

“In my own Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency alone the sector employs 1,573 people and contributes £40m to the local economy with 86 pubs and three breweries.

“Parliament must continue to support the sector to ensure that we have a thriving brewing and pub sector in our region.”

Mr Theakston added: “The YBPA travelled to Parliament to stress to MPs that this important regional industry deserves to be supported by our politicians.

“We called on MPs to back the campaign for a freeze on beer duty in this year’s Budget and we very much hope they take heed of our messages, pick up their pens and write to the Chancellor as soon as possible.”