Hove MP Mike Weatherley has backed a campaign to scrap beer price rises.

Mr Weatherley has backed a parliamentary motion calling for a government review of the controversial beer duty escalator.

Since the introduction of the beer duty escalator in March 2008, beer duty has increased by 42% and beer sales have fallen by 15%.

During the same period, 6,000 pubs have called time for good.

Mr Weatherley said: “I know from speaking to publicans that the bars and pubs in my constituency struggle to keep their businesses profitable.

“Earlier in the year I did a Friday night shift at a local pub and saw first-hand the difficulties of running a profitable establishment. This is an unpopular tax that is hurting small businesses across the country, which is why the Government should review the escalator as a matter of urgency.”