Brits 'would be in a better place' if they went to the pub more, Cabinet member says

Britons "would be in a better place" if they went to the pub more, a Cabinet member has said.

Jonathan Reynolds told The Mirror that the Government stands behind the UK's embattled boozers amid growing fears that closures are making people more isolated. The Business Secretary said pubs are "vitally important" for communities as industry leaders warn one is closing every day.

He made the remarks as he unveiled a new strategy to support small and medium businesses. Mr Reynolds said: "I think a lot of people in the UK would be in a better place if they go down the pub now and again and socialised and enjoyed that atmosphere." No10 recently gave a final update on whether the UK would get an extra bank holiday for England's Euros win.

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The Mirror is calling on ministers to set up a fighting fund to help keep pubs alive. The Labour frontbencher did not commit to the move, but said steps were being taken to help them.

He said: "Part of the thing they need, it's not just bespoke funds, it's things like permanent low business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure. So that is part of the government's commitment."

Under the plan, licensing red tape will be removed for hospitality venues, Mr Reynolds said. He admitted there had been a "big cultural change" as people tend to drink less, but added: "Pubs are vitally important."

Trade body the The British Beer and Pub Association has said that an average of one pub is shutting every day as it sounded the alarm. In a report earlier this week, think tank the IPPR said the loss of community pubs is a boost to the far-right as it means many are getting much less social contact than they used to.

As a result they end up isolated and spending more time online. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Keir Starmer said the new strategy contains "hugely welcome" measures - including making it easier to put tables and chairs outside during the summer.

New laws will see hefty fines handed out for late payments - a problem that puts an estimated 38 smaller firms out of business every day. And a new £4billion finance package will help support nearly 70,000 start-up loans.

It comes after ministers heard people risk losing their homes in order to secure the cash to start up a business. After speaking to small business owners in Swindon, Wiltshire, the PM said there was a "buzz in the air".

He said of the strategy: "This reflects the very many conversations we've had with small and medium sized businesses when we've said to them 'what are the challenges you face or the inhibitors that you face?' This is a plan to deal with all of those."

Tina McKenzie, who chairs the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), welcomed the plan. She told The Mirror: "We believe the work we've done with this Government is serious, no one before has put any of this into legislation."

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