PUBS AND LOCAL SHOPS

Early day motion 408, tabled 16 July 2012 by Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 43 members.

That this House believes that pubs and local independent shops are vital assets for local communities; notes that 12,000 local shops closed in 2009 and that pubs are closing at a rate of 12 a week; recognises that there are a large number of reasons for these closures, including the success of chain shops, the rise of supermarkets, the economic environment and planning regulations; further notes that communities across the country have expressed concern that chain shops and supermarkets have harmed their high streets; further believes that pubs are frequently the hub of a local community as well as an excellent place to drink responsibly; welcomes the Portas Review and the Government's response to that review; further believes that local communities should have the opportunity to retain premises for use as a pub or a local shop if they choose to do so; and therefore calls on the Government to review planning regulations to enable communities to support pubs and local independent shops.

Signatures by party: Labour 15, Liberal Democrat 14, Conservative 7, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Alliance 1, DUP 1, Green 1, Plaid Cymru 1.