Jeremy Clarkson Bans All Labour MPs from His Cotswolds Pub in Protest Over Tax Policies

Jeremy Clarkson has taken a firm stand against recent government tax policies by banning all Labour MPs from his Cotswolds pub, The Farmer’s Dog. This decision aligns him with a growing number of landlords nationwide protesting the financial pressures facing the hospitality industry.

The campaign, known as ‘No Labour MPs,’ originated in Dorset and quickly gained momentum, now backed by over 250 pubs, restaurants, and hotels. It highlights concerns about rising business rates and the broader impact on publicans and hospitality workers.

James Fowler, owner of the Larder House in Bournemouth, sparked the movement by announcing a similar ban, citing that pubs are being pushed to breaking point under the current taxation system. Clarkson, 65, has echoed this sentiment, extending his previous ban on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to all 404 Labour MPs, as business rates at his Oxfordshire pub have soared from approximately £28,000 to over £50,000 annually.

Clarkson expressed his frustration to The Sun, calling the increase “a disgrace” and emphasizing the financial strain on establishments like his. On X (formerly Twitter), he clarified his stance, excepting only one former Labour member, Markus Campbell Savours.

Despite Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent Budget announcement promising permanently reduced tax rates for over 750,000 retail, leisure, and hospitality venues—claimed to be the lowest since 1991—industry representatives dispute the benefits. UK Hospitality reports that smaller venues, including pubs and cafés, will face an additional £318 million in business rates over the next three years, contradicting official statements.

Allen Simpson, CEO of UK Hospitality, warned MPs that the so-called reductions essentially amount to a tax hike, disproportionately harming smaller hospitality businesses while protecting online giants and supermarkets. He cautioned that without government intervention, the sector could face closures, reduced investment, and fewer opportunities for young workers.

In response, a spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer defended the government’s efforts, pointing to a £4.3 billion support package designed to ease the financial burden on pubs, restaurants, and cafés. Measures have included capping potential bill increases from 45% down to 4%, maintaining reduced draught beer duty, relaxing licensing rules for pavement drinking, and limiting corporation tax. They insisted these steps demonstrate a continued commitment to backing the hospitality industry.