Boris Johnson agrees to meeting about Minister for Hospitality

After widespread calls, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that Paul Scully, the minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour markets, will meet with the people behind the “Create a Minister for Hospitality in the UK Government” petition.

The petition, which was launched by the editor of Chef & Restaurant Magazine, Claire Bosi, has received backing from celebrity chefs such as Angela Hartnett and Tom Kerridge. Members of the House debated the petition in Westminster Hall on 11 January, but news of a meeting was only confirmed this week.

Petitions Committee chair, Labour MP Catherine McKinnell, wrote a formal letter to the Prime Minister urging him to address the issue. Mr Johnson had previously shrugged off invitations to meet with petitioners.

McKinnell said: "While I welcome the prime minister's decision to agree to our call for the government to meet with petitioners and hear their concerns about the need for greater support for the hospitality sector, I hope that the prime minister himself will consider their request that he creates a minister for hospitality to oversee government delivery for this crucial diverse sector."

She added: "…It is essential there is a focused voice within government to represent the hospitality sector to ensure its place as a key driver of economic and cultural growth in every community.”

About the Create a Minister for Hospitality in the UK Government

The petition, titled ‘Create a Minister for Hospitality in the UK Government’ was launched in early December and now has over 200,000 signatures. Calling for a dedicated minister who can liaise with industry representatives, it goes on to state that a minister would be beneficial for the government in a number of ways, including encouraging investment and tourism back to the UK.

Those in the industry also believe a minister can help with matters such as taxation and legislation as well as taking suggestions to policymakers and the chancellor on their behalf.

After the news of the meeting was announced, McKinnell went on to say that: “Although the government has provided a range of support to the hospitality industry throughout this pandemic, there are still great challenges ahead and a coordinated approach on this issue is vital at this critical time."