Newark MP Patrick Mercer discusses "beer tax" in Parliament

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The "beer tax escalator" policy was introduced in 2008 Credit: PA

Newark MP Patrick Mercer will be speaking in a parliamentary debate today on the Government's controversial "beer tax escalator" policy.

It was introduced back in March 2008, raising the duty on beer by 2% above the rate of inflation.

Since then, the British Beer and Pub Association say that the tax on beer has risen by more than 40%.

According to The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), pub closures have increased from 12 a week in the past year.

A petition with 100,000 signatures will be handed over at today.