Emma Hardy, the Labour Party candidate for Kingston-Upon-Hull West and Haltemprice, visited The Parkers, a community pub in the heart of Hull, on Wednesday 19th June to discuss the pressing challenges faced by pubs and breweries with local patrons and staff. This visit
underscores Emma’s commitment to supporting Hull’s pub industry, which is a vital part of the local community and economy.

The pub is part of Proper Pubs – the award-winning community operator division of Admiral Taverns – which has more than 200 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales, and is run by passionate and dedicated operator, Ian Lindley-Forster. During the visit, Emma met with Ian and Proper Pubs Business Development Manager, Martin Wood as well as employees and pub goers to gain firsthand insight into the issues currently impacting pubs. This also gave Emma the chance to see the different ways that pubs in Hull cannot just survive but thrive and be the focal point around which renewed economic growth in Hull can be based.

Emma Hardy expressed a strong commitment to addressing these issues, stating; “Pubs are the heart of our communities, providing not just a place to enjoy a pint, but also a social hub that supports mental wellbeing and community spirit. In so many way pubs provide
the social glue that keeps the community in Hull together. I look forward if I am elected to working with my local pubs, including Admiral Taverns and The Parkers, as well as the British Beer and Pub Association to ensure that these vital institutions thrive in the face of current
challenges.”

The visit concluded with Emma serving pints behind the bar and engaging with staff and patrons to hear their views and concerns. This hands-on approach demonstrates Emma’s genuine interest in understanding and tackling the issues facing the local pub industry.

Commenting on the visit, Martin Wood, Business Development Manager at Proper Pubs, commented: “It was a pleasure to host Emma Hardy at The Parkers, Hull to meet our fantastic operator, Ian, and discuss the important work they are doing in the community. It was a great opportunity to discuss how changing the tax and regulatory regime could allow our industry to drive growth across Yorkshire and the wider UK.”