Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many meetings have taken place within the department and appropriate predecessor departments to consider the responses to the consultation on retaining and expanding access to market for small and independent brewers since 22nd October 2025.

The Government recognises the important contribution that pubs and small and independent breweries make to local economies and communities across the country, and remains committed to supporting a diverse and competitive beer and pub sector.

Over the last six months I have met with all interested stakeholders directly to consider the evidence received through the review of the beer market and I have discussed this evidence in detail with policy experts within my department.

However, The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) recently wrote to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requesting a market investigation into this area. Given the CMA's role as the UK's independent competition regulator, it is important that the CMA is given the opportunity to consider that request.