Thats because CAMRA were intentionally using irrelevant or disingenuous figures.
The net figures are what are of interest - by ignoring the 1000's of new pubs opening at the same time as pub closures, the figures were pretty much rubbish.
The net reduction in number of licenced premises was actually pretty small.
EDIT: If there is a discussion to be had, it would be how the look and feel of pubs has changed from grotty, smelly, smoky, unfriendly places, into modern, friendly, clean, light places that everyone feels comfortable visiting.