HYNDBURN MP Graham Jones has voiced his support for local pubs.

The Labour politician voted to introduce a statutory code which, he said, would support landlords of independent and small pubs.

Writing on his blog, Mr Jones said: “An estimated 26 pubs are closing each week in Britain, and the large chains of pub companies have been accused of giving landlords a raw deal, with many paying over the odds for their alcoholic products.

“Legislation is required to introduce a statutory code protecting small landlords, and ensuring they are no longer exploited in their relationship with pub companies.

“We need to back our local pubs.”