Fury has erupted at Keir Starmer's Christmas message about going to the pub as the industry reaches crisis. Mr Starmer made a nearly three minute long recorded speech in which he mentioned - with a wry smirk - people might 'heading to the pub' this Christmas. The tax increase has been blamed for the loss of 69,000 hospitality jobs since the October it was announced, The Times said. Another X user James Wooley chimed in: 'Ironic really because many of the pubs have banned him and his fellow Labour MPs from their establishments.' Raising minimum wages in this year's budget has also had an effect on pub landlords, making employing people more expensive.

Source: Daily Mail December 25, 2025 17:15 UTC