Fury has erupted at Keir Starmer’s Christmas message about going to the pub as the industry reaches crisis.
Mr Starmer made a nearly three-minute-long recorded speech in which he mentioned – with a wry smirk – people might ‘heading to the pub’ this Christmas.
But it was not met with the same humour as commenters expressed their anger over the speech.
Since 2020, more than 2,000 pubs have closed their doors for good, with 412 shutting in 2024 alone.
Rachel Reeves’ budget announced an increase in alcohol duty of 3.66 per cent which will take effect on February 1, 2026.
The hike in employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs) in October 2024’s budget has also had an effect on small businesses like pubs which has only been truly realised after a year has passed.
The tax increase has been blamed for the loss of 69,000 hospitality jobs since the October it was announced, The Times said.
One commenter, Mike said: ‘I can’t believe the tin-eared crasness (sic) of the resident of 10 Downing Street PM who has just invited us in his Xmas message to visit the pub.
‘Hasn’t he noticed that the woman next door, the economically illiterate Rachel Reeves is closing down a pub a day.’
Commenter Maureen Lloyd replied: ‘He just say’s whatever he thinks will make him popular Mike… and as a Labour voter I’m just want to apologise for inflicting him on the country ,wish I could take it back.’
Another X user James Wooley chimed in: ‘Ironic really because many of the pubs have banned him and his fellow Labour MPs from their establishments.’
Raising minimum wages in this year’s budget has also had an effect on pub landlords, making employing people more expensive.
The minimum wage now sits at £12.71 per hour for over 21s – a 50p increase – while younger workers (18-20) get an 85p rise to £10.85 per hour.
Pubs were also hit with the ending of a 40 per cent business rate relief for businesses in hospitality, leisure and retail which will take effect in 2026.
However, some took to defending the prime minister, with one X user, David Calderbank, protesting: ‘Pubs have been shutting for years.
‘Different social habits, drink driving laws, social media , smoking habits, different entertainment systems at home all have led to the pub culture of the past not being so popular.’
