Matthew was pleased to visit local business and pub the Chandos Arms in Colindale Avenue on Friday lunchtime.

Matthew met with the landlady Emily, staff, and representatives from Heineken – owners of the pub. Matthew and Emily spoke about the important contribution that pubs make to our local area and how the Conservative Government has backed this vital community asset.

In the Spring 2017 Budget, the Chancellor announced a £1,000 discount on business rate bills will be applied for all pubs with a rateable value lower than £100,000. This applies to 90 per cent of pubs and is in recognition of the valuable role they play in our communities.

This follows the removal of the beer duty escalator in 2013 and the unprecedented freeze in beer duty.

Matthew also spoke with the Heineken representatives about the proposed takeover of Punch Taverns PLC by Heineken.

Matthew said: “The investment by Heineken is clearly a huge vote of confidence in the British pub. The UK has benefited greatly from being an open and free economy and British businesses have been successful in attracting investment into the UK and generating wealth.

“I am a great supporter of pubs here in the constituency and know they play an important role in communities across the UK. I am proud of the action taken by the Conservatives to back pubs including the freeze in beer duty and the discount on business rate bills”.