The Labour Government has welcomed Carlisle MP Julie Minns' backing of a campaign to allow pubs to sell local beers and ales.

Ms Minns has supported the drive for tied-houses, pubs required to purchase most or all products from the large breweries that own them, to stock local brews.

Many pubs in Carlisle and north Cumbria are tied-houses, making it challenging for the area's breweries such as Great Corby Brewhouse, Carlisle Brewing Company, West Walls Brewing Co., and the Old Vicarage Brewery in Walton to supply their products to local pubs.

Carlisle breweries have applauded Ms Minns’ support.

The situation stems from Carlisle's State Management scheme, when the government took control of the city's pubs due to concerns over workers at the Gretna ammunition factory.

When returned to private ownership, pubs were sold in lots, leading to most being owned by large breweries, thus becoming tied-houses.

Ms Minns addressed the legacy of Carlisle's State Management scheme and its ongoing impact on the city after securing a debate in Parliament.

Ms Minns said: "Across the UK, 78 per cent of the beer sold in our pubs comes from just five global brewing companies.

"In comparison, our 1,700 small breweries represent only about 6 per cent of the market.

"That needs to be urgently reviewed to ensure that there is a level playing field where small businesses can compete fully."

Research is claimed to show that many beer drinkers are unaware that many craft beer brands spotted in pubs are owned by global brewers.

Ms Minns provided an example: "A good example of that from my own county is Wainwright beer.

"Inspired by the chronicler of our famous Cumbrian fells, the name Wainwright is synonymous with the county of Cumbria, and that leads many visitors to believe that they are sampling a locally brewed beer when they come to Cumbria; in fact, it is just one of a range of beers produced by the global beer company Carlsberg."

Ms Minns concluded her speech by inviting Justin Madders, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade, for a pint at the Border Reiver - the last pub in Britain designed, funded, and built by the UK Government.

Mr Madders shared an update the government's plan to consult on initiatives to help small brewers expand their presence in UK pubs.

He said: "Let me echo the support for the work done by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates and the Campaign for Real Ale in championing beer drinkers’ choice and pursuing the case for more independently produced beer in pubs.

"We will work closely with both those organisations, but also with the wider hospitality sector, to identify barriers to market access for small brewers and how they might be addressed."

Andy Slee, Chief Executive of the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), said: "We welcome that Julie has taken the time to visit her local breweries to understand their challenges and bring them to a wider audience.

"SIBA looks forward to the review and playing a full and active role in it with MPs, Ministers and colleagues across the industry."