Minister for hospitality motion receive unanimous vote

Following a 90-minute debate at the House of Commons, all 20 MPs present have now backed the motion for a dedicated minister for hospitality to be appointed.

During the debate, Paul Scully, Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets pressed his point that the hospitality sector already had representation at government, citing recent grants, the furlough scheme, business loan schemes and the Eat Out to Help Out scheme as examples.

However, others present called out for further support for the industry from Government, including Tunbridge Wells Conservative MP Greg Clark and Labour MPs Lucy Powell for Manchester Central, Charlotte Nichols for Warrington North, and Catherine McKinnel for Newcastle North.

The recent debate was opened by McKinnel, who urged the Government to identify that the hospitality sector requires a strong voice at Government level. Clark implored fellow ministers to support the industry, emphasising the need for governmental support for hospitality enterprises, currently battling a third UK lockdown.

The critical issues facing the sector have gained a high profile due to the tireless efforts of over 200,000 supporters, leading it to make the MPs' agenda.

The #SeatAtTheTable petition launched by Chef & Restaurant Magazine Editor Clare Bosi and supported by celebrity chefs such as James Martin and Tom Kerridge has argued the importance of the hospitality sector’s contribution to the UK economy. Unlike sports and arts, hospitality does not have its own minister, despite generating £130 billion that results in £38 billion worth of taxation and providing approximately three million jobs across the country.

Although all the MPs present voted unanimously on the proposal, and the debate was able to underline the unique challenges that restaurants, bars and public houses in the UK are currently facing, it will result in no immediate action.

Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the UK’s hospitality industry has seen job losses in their thousands as many businesses have collapsed under the economic strain.

However, the overall cross-party support for the hospitality industry is a positive step in the government recognising the importance of the sector and the debate highlighted many hospitality enterprises that seldom make the headlines. These include conference centres, dedicated wedding venues and bars that are struggling just as much under the strain as others in the industry. Recognition was also given to businesses in the industry’s supply chain that have also been negatively impacted by the outbreak.