Ashley Fox, MP for Bridgwater, raised a glass to the 200th anniversary of the pint.

He was joined by John Glen, MP for Salisbury and South Wiltshire, on September 10.

The gathering came after more than 210,000 people pledged their support to their local pubs, urging the government to take action.

The Long Live the Local campaign aims to highlight the social and economic value of pubs and breweries across the UK.

Backed by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), the campaign is drawing attention to the challenges the industry faces as the cost of doing business reaches an all-time high.

Ahead of the budget announcement, Long Live the Local is calling for a cut in beer duty, business rates reform, and a commitment from the government to keep the 75 per cent business rates relief to ensure that pubs can survive.

Since Labour's last budget announcement in 2010, almost a fifth (18 per cent) of pubs have closed.

The BBPA has enlisted the support of the British public to raise awareness of the economic realities faced by the industry.

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "It’s incredible to see the British public support the industry and I’m so proud to be the spokesperson for all 212,106 of our supporters.

"Pubs provide an invaluable contribution to communities as centres of connection and camaraderie, yet our members have faced significant challenges in recent years amid economic uncertainty.

"Through beer duty cuts, business rates reform, and a commitment to the 75 per cent business rates relief, we can continue to keep these social hubs at the heart of our communities and celebrate them - and the pint - for another 200 years."

To mark the special occasion, MPs, ministers, and industry leaders raised a glass to the pub and brewery sector, attending the Long Live the Local’s celebration at the Albert pub in Westminster.

Tor Humpherston, BBPA member and publican of The Albert pub, said: "We’re overwhelmed by the amount of support we’ve seen from the British public so far, recognising the true value of their local pub.

"It’s time for the government to listen to the challenges we’re facing as publicans and take real action to support us."