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Pub-loving PM Andy Burnham has slashed pub business rates by 20 per cent to save local boozers as we look back at his most iconic pint-sinking moments

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Liam RandallNews Reporter

13:48, 23 JUL 2026

Pub-loving Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a rescue package for Britain's boozers

(Image: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Pub-loving Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a rescue package for Britain's boozers. The Labour leader has thrown a lifeline to the UK's favourite watering holes after revealing plans to slash business rates by 20 per cent for pubs, clubs and live music venues across England from April next year.

The tax cut is expected to save the average local around 1,100 a year, giving a huge boost to nearly 32,000 hospitality businesses. Downing Street said the rates overhaul will be funded by stripping reliefs from businesses that "do not make a positive contribution to local communities" - like vape shops - alongside a fierce crackdown on online tax dodgers.

To mark the boozer-boosting news, we take a look back at the PM's best moments tackling the pumps.

Fresh Brew

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Burnham was spotted supping a fresh brew during a high-profile visit to the Hare pub in Harlow, Essex, on Thursday (July 23), to highlight the government's work to back the boozer.

(Image: PA Wire)1 of 10

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Protecting Pubs

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Announcing the measures, Burnham said: "This government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets the beating heart of our communities and that's what we will do."

(Image: PA Wire)2 of 10