DUDLEY North MP Ian Austin has urged Chancellor Philip Hammond to cut the duty on beer when he announces his forthcoming budget.

Mr Austin fears too many pubs now face severe pressure to survive simply because of the cost involved with beer duty and business rates.

But with an estimated three pubs per day closing their doors for good in Britain, Austin fears for the industry.

At present, British pub goers pay 40 per cent of all beer duty across the EU, but drink only 12 per cent of the beer, with a £1 in every £3 spent in a pub going to the Treasury.

He said: "Pubs play a vital role in local communities and I don't want to see any more popular locals closing down because of the pressure from beer duty.

"The Black Country is home to some of the best brewers in Britain and I want to show my support for the Long Live Local campaign which has been set up by the British Beer and Pub Association".

Austin, who is a member of CAMRA, has also campaigned to have Black Country beers served in Parliament.

He added: "I'm a big fan of local beer, but not just as a consumer, but because of the business and jobs these local companies provide".