Campaign targets hundreds of MPs with hospitality VAT ban plan
The campaign group led by pub operator Andy Lennox has confirmed a date for a new action aimed at MPs who have not publicly supported cutting hospitality VAT, with the date issued in a statement on 10 November. The approach targets MPs across parties; more than 300 MPs are listed on the group’s tracker as lacking confirmed support. Pubs and other hospitality businesses can register via the Hospitality Voices website, but the number of venues committed is not yet known. Alongside the ban plan, Hospitality Voices is pushing for an emergency VAT reduction via a Private Member’s Bill and is calling for a televised debate on sector pressures. The group plans to present evidence to the Treasury opposing its VAT stance and will continue its One Voice for Every MP campaign to boost engagement between operators and local representatives. The announcement comes ahead of a Westminster Hall debate on hospitality VAT on 12 November, led by Labour MP Chris Webb, examining how VAT policy affects local economies, employment and growth. Lennox has urged the government to take the campaign seriously and noted that aligning VAT relief with Europe is not making enough progress. The campaign follows a national effort to bar Labour MPs from pubs in December 2025 amid business rates and costs. Source: The Morning Advertiser
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