Jonathan Lawson, chief executive of pub and brewing group Butcombe, has criticised Labour's handling of the economy, saying rising taxes and costs are making it difficult for businesses to plan and invest. He said the government is 'not listening' to concerns from the sector, particularly around business rates and employment costs.

Lawson said his company, which operates more than 130 pubs, bars and inns across the South of England, has been hit by higher national insurance contributions, increases in the minimum wage and rising business rates. He claimed these measures cost the business more than £2 million last year, even before energy prices increased בעקבות conflict in the Middle East.

He also challenged the government's claim that recent growth in gross domestic product shows the economy is improving. While ministers have highlighted a 0.5 per cent rise in output in February, Lawson said the overall tax burden and cost pressures are undermining confidence, investment and job creation in the hospitality sector.