NEIL Carmichael has been honoured with the unique ‘Beer Champions’ award in Parliament.

Neil who has championed Britain’s beer industry throughout his time in Parliament has been honoured with a unique award in Parliament.

He was presented with a certificate and souvenir pump clip by the British Beer & Pub Association and SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers.

The special award is a joint initiative from the BBPA and SIBA, who wanted to recognise the role of MPs who supported Britain’s national drink during the 2010-2015 Parliament.

It recognises acts of advocacy in Parliament.

In particular, the award highlights Neil’s support in securing historic consecutive cuts in beer duty in the 2013 and 2014 Budgets, helping to safeguard jobs and investment, and keeping beer affordable for consumers.

Neil is also supporting a third, consecutive duty cut in this year’s Budget, as beer and pubs support in the Stroud Valleys and Vale over 1,450 jobs and contributes £30.5 million towards our local gross domestic product.

Neil said: “We have some truly great pubs in the Stroud Valleys and the Vale - the Salutation Inn in Ham, CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Year, and the Red Lion in Arlingham, Gloucester Rural Pub of the Year, being just two of so many. The sector matters to us in many different ways and this is why I have worked so hard to promote and support it.”