Pub landlords are banning Labour MPs from entering their pub due to increased business rates that allegedly threaten their survival. Around 50 pubs across Britain have put up a sign saying “No Labour MPs” to show their disapproval, according to restaurateurs behind the rallying cry. This comes as property tax bills will increase steeply next year, with one boss of a big pub chain claiming this could be a “tipping point that changes the shape of the industry forever”.

Pub owner James Fowler, who came up with the idea to ban politicians, said: “You just feel like you are being ignored all the time, so it is a very direct and clear message that we are not happy with Labour MPs and the hidden taxes they have thrown onto us.” Mr Fowler owns the Larder House pub in Bournemouth.