Vacuum pump reed valve which will reduce cold start torque

A vacuum pump suitable for mounting to an engine, comprising:

• a casing having a cavity, the cavity comprising an inlet and an outlet;
• a moveable member arranged for rotation inside the cavity, the movable member being movable to draw fluid into the cavity through the inlet and out of the cavity through the outlet so as to induce a reduction in pressure at the inlet;
• a valve seat at the outlet;
• an outlet valve comprising a reed element and a stop configured to restrict movement of the reed element;
• and
• a holding arrangement attaching the stop to the casing, the holding arrangement comprising a hinge,
• wherein the stop is movable between a first operating position, in which movement of the reed element is restricted to a first opening degree, and a second start-up position, in which movement of the reed element is restricted to a second opening degree, which is larger than the first opening degree.