John Penrose, MP for Weston-super-Mare and Minister for Tourism & Heritage

Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose has declared victory today following the coalition Government’s Budget announcement that the controversial 10% Cider Tax will be scrapped at the end of the month.

The West Country MP has been fighting the tax since it was announced by the previous Government in March this year as it “threatens the future of a thriving industry” and attacks a drink which is a “much-loved part of the West Country”.

John said: “I’m delighted that our new Government has scrapped this tax. It was a blanket tax designed by the previous government to plug the black hole in its finances rather than a responsible attempt to deal with binge drinking. It would have punished people who enjoy cider responsibly and was an unnecessary attack on an industry that’s doing well, threatening to undermine local businesses at a time of economic turbulence. The West Country will be celebrating tonight”.