A South Shropshire MP has called on the government to continue providing supports for local pubs, in a bid to ensure they don't face heightened costs.

Stuart Anderson has called on the new government to continue a package of support for pubs across South Shropshire, when the labour government delivers its first budget in October.

The local MP said the new government must maintain the “Brexit Pubs Guarrantee” which was introduced in last year’s Spring Budget.

The guarantee was introduced to ensure that pubs will always pay less alcohol duty than supermarkets, this rule was not previously available under the EU.

He added that the guarantee was crucial as pubs are a key component to rural communities like South Shropshire, by helping to maintain and foster "a sense of place and community".

The MP has expressed concerns that the new government may scrap the support, having recently confirmed that it will “replace” the business rates system in England. He said that the new government must property consider the needs of the hospitality sector, including pubs, before doing so.

The MP added that supporting pubs "is a key priority" in his plan to support South Shropshire’s rural economy and "unlock its potential".

“Our pubs in South Shropshire are hugely valued community assets. They not only support local economies and provide spaces for communities to come together but create valuable local hubs that strengthen social bonds and encourage wider integration – creating a real sense of community pride.

"I love to nip into the George and Dragon Inn in Much Wenlock for a spot of lunch or for an evening out with my wife at The Mill at Leighton, as well as many other great community pubs.

“To recognise the value of our great British pubs, I am calling on the new government to confirm that it is committed to continuing the last government's package of support measures - including the Brexit Pubs Guarantee, which means that the duty paid on a draught pint in a pub will always be lower than its equivalent in a supermarket.

“The government should also continue to freeze alcohol duty and discount business rates for small businesses.”