CAROLINE Nokes MP has welcomed the announcement of new rules to ensure that tied pubs are given a fairer deal by pub companies.

A new statutory code will be enforced by an independent adjudicator with the power to punish pub companies that break them.

Mrs Nokes said: “I have been involved in the Fair Deal for Your Local campaign as vice chair of the All Party Save the Pub Group and welcome the changes announced.

“I welcome the introduction of a statutory code and the adjudicator, that is definitely good news, but I regard today’s announcement as a step in the right direction, not the whole journey.”