New IPSOS research shows support for hospitality from across the political divide, which argues the British Beer and Pub Association, confirms the importance of a pub friendly budget to preserve jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Nine in ten MPs hold a favourable view of the UK hospitality sector, according to new Ipsos research commissioned by the British Beer and Pub Association.
The polling, found 96 percent of Conservative MPs and 86 percent of Labour MPs surveyed were positive towards hospitality. None of the MPs interviewed expressed unfavourable opinions of the sector.
With just over a month until the Chancellor delivers the Budget, the BBPA said the findings highlight the political importance of pubs and hospitality as major employers and community anchors, and urged the Treasury to ease what it described as “crushing fiscal pressures.”
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “When MPs from across the political divide are united in their recognition of the hospitality sector, it should be clear to the Chancellor that the correct thing to do at the Budget is to back pubs.
“MPs know how much pubs matter to their constituents and communities, and we hope this further underlines the almost universal support of the pub.
“This Budget is a once in a generation opportunity to undo years of crushing fiscal pressures and reset rates and regulations which currently punish the pub and, therefore, jobs and communities.
“This Budget must deliver meaningful business rates reform at pace, cut beer duty, mitigate soaring employment costs, and review the chaotic and unfair packaging tax. Doing this will mean pubs can grow from strength to strength and, with them, so will the economy, job market, and communities.”
The BBPA estimates that the pub and brewing sector contributes £26 billion a year to the UK economy but remains one of the most heavily taxed industries. Without further government intervention, it warns that over 2,000 pubs could close next year (roughly six closures per day), putting more than 12,000 jobs at risk.
The trade body argues that targeted tax cuts could yield significant returns. According to BBPA modelling a 20p business rates discount, could save around 800 pubs and preserve more than 5,400 jobs.
Ipsos said the results showed unusually strong agreement across Parliament. Ed Whitehead, Corporate Reputation Advisory Director at Ipsos, confirmed: “We’ve been surveying MPs for forty years, and it’s extremely rare to see such high levels of favourability towards a sector. MPs tell us that a company’s impact within their constituency is the primary reason they would speak highly of an organisation, so these findings suggest a widespread appreciation for the role that hospitality plays in communities across the UK.”
The survey also found consistent regional support. Among MPs representing England, 88 percent held favourable views of hospitality, with 93 percentof those in both the Midlands and South reporting positive sentiment, compared with 77 percent in the North.
Ipsos conducted 138 telephone interviews with MPs between 19 May and 25 July 2025, with 111 answering questions about hospitality. Quotas and weighting were applied to ensure the results reflected the composition of the House of Commons by political party, region, and gender.
The BBPA said the findings add to the pressure on the Treasury as the government seeks to balance business tax cuts with fiscal discipline ahead of the election year.
Budget fears
Emma McClarkin said……. “This Budget is a once in a generation opportunity to undo years of crushing fiscal pressures and reset rates and regulations which currently punish the pub and, therefore, jobs and communities. This Budget must deliver meaningful business rates reform at pace, cut beer duty, mitigate soaring employment costs, and review the chaotic and unfair packaging tax……
