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UKHospitality has issued its support for a petition signed by 200,000 people, which was started by TV chef Angela Harnett, calling on the government to assign a hospitality minister.
Signed by the likes of Tom Kerridge and Jason Atherton, the motion was debated in Parliament yesterday (11 January).
The trade association believes the petition is evidence of the “overwhelming support” for the sector and the need for additional supportive measures.
Kate Nicholls said: “There was a clear and highly encouraging demonstration of strong cross-party support for an extension of the VAT cut and the business rates holiday. These are going to be crucial if we hope to see businesses survive the year.
“Announcing an extension of both of these policies, at the earliest possible opportunity, will provide some much-needed stability for our sector and allow businesses to begin planning. Equally clear is that a great many MPs recognise that this additional support will be necessary if the sector is to survive and lead the national revival.”
She added: “It was incredibly positive to hear so many MPs being vocal advocates of the hospitality sector. There was unanimous recognition of our importance economically and socially.
“It was particularly pleasing to hear parts of the sector like nightclubs, wedding venues and conference centres being lauded – businesses that have not grabbed headlines in the way that other sectors have, but are no less important, as the debate recognised. There was also welcome recognition for our critical supply chain.”
