Dr Neil Hudson, Member of Parliament for Epping Forest, has reaffirmed his strong support for local hospitality and high street businesses across the constituency, highlighting the vital role they play in the community and the local economy. During an intervention this month in Parliament, Dr Hudson spoke up for much-loved establishments including The Bull and the Queen Vic in Theydon Bois, the Theydon Oak, and Mila in Loughton, praising their contribution to local life and employment.
His comments come at a critical time for the hospitality sector, with many businesses continuing to face rising costs and financial pressures. Dr Hudson’s intervention followed a recent vote in the House of Commons in which the Conservative Party supported a proposal to scrap business rates for 250,000 businesses nationwide, including pubs, restaurants, theatres and shops. Conservative MPs, including Dr Hudson, voted in favour of the measure as part of wider efforts to support high streets and local enterprise, while the Labour Party voted against the proposal.
In the Commons Chamber, Dr Hudson said:
“Epping Forest is home to some wonderful pubs and hospitality businesses, such as The Bull and the Queen Vic in Theydon Bois, the Theydon Oak, and Mila in Loughton. I hope he will join me in congratulating Mila on reaching the final of the British Kebab Awards next year.
“Does he agree that it is only through the Conservatives’ approach of scrapping business rates and supporting our high streets that these fantastic businesses will be able to survive and then thrive in the future?”
Commenting after the debate, Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
“Epping Forest is home to so many outstanding local businesses. Yet far too many of them are under real pressure as a result of this Labour Government’s decisions.
“The Conservatives’ plan to scrap business rates for hundreds of thousands of businesses is a clear, practical step to support our high streets and help local enterprises to grow and prosper. I will continue to stand up in Parliament for our pubs, restaurants and small businesses across Epping Forest, and make sure their voices are heard loud and clear.”
