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Pub protection Bill inspired by The Crooked House fails in Parliament
Overview
A proposed law designed to protect historic pubs following the demolition of The Crooked House has failed to progress through Parliament after running out of time during a Commons debate. Conservative MP Mike Wood's Heritage Public Houses Bill aimed to give heritage pubs extra protection from redevelopment and stronger community purchase rights. While campaigners criticised the outcome, Labour MPs argued that existing measures already provide sufficient safeguards.
Key points
- The Heritage Public Houses Bill, introduced by Conservative MP Mike Wood, failed to reach a vote after running out of time during a parliamentary debate.
- The proposed legislation was inspired by the controversial 2023 fire and subsequent demolition of the 258-year-old Crooked House pub in Himley, Staffordshire.
- The Bill would have required councils to identify heritage pubs and given communities stronger rights and extra time to buy them.
- Campaign group Camra described the failure of the Bill as "an absolute disgrace".
- Mike Wood accused Labour MPs of deliberately talking out the Bill to prevent a vote, while Labour MP Sarah Hall argued that existing policies already safeguard valued pubs.