Co‑op Party celebrates UK’s first community‑owned pub in Preston, Hertfordshire

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

WEDNESDAY 7^th JANUARY 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alistair Strathern, Labour and Co‑operative MP for Hitchin, was pleased to welcome colleagues from the Co‑operative Party to the Red Lion pub in Preston, Hertfordshire – to celebrate the UK’s first ever community‑owned pub.

The visit celebrated Preston’s remarkable achievement in coming together to save a much‑loved local asset over 40 years ago, and highlighted how communities can take ownership, build resilience, and keep vital social spaces alive for future generations.

The Red Lion was rescued when local people organised and invested collectively to bring the pub into community ownership in 1983. Today, it stands not just as a successful business, with many local and national awards, but as a symbol of what can be achieved when communities are empowered to shape their own future.

The visit comes as the government is delivering the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which will expand the rights of communities to buy and take ownership of local assets, including pubs, collectively.

The Bill will strengthen the ability of communities to act when valued local places are at risk, giving people more time, more power and more practical support to step in and secure them for the long term.

Co‑operative Party representatives praised Preston’s leadership in community ownership and stressed the importance of scaling up models like the Red Lion across the country as part of a wider programme of devolution, local economic resilience and democratic ownership.

Alistair Strathern MP said:“The Red Lion is something Preston should be enormously proud of. This pub shows what’s possible when people come together to protect the places that matter to them. It isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about belonging, connection, and keeping our communities strong.”

“Too often we’ve seen local pubs, shops and community spaces disappear, with communities unable to stop it. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will help change that, strengthening the rights of local communities to own the assets that matter most to them.

“With the right backing from government, many more communities will be able to protect the places they care about and keep them thriving.

“Preston has led the way. As our MP, I am determined to make sure communities across our area, and across the country, have the tools they need to do the same.”

Notes to Editors

You can see a video of Strathern and the Co-op Party’s visit here.

You can see an image of Strathern from the visit attached.