Ahead of new Covid restrictions coming into effect, Liberal Democrat MPs have called for an emergency hospitality summit to save businesses on the brink.
With some restaurants already losing half their Christmas bookings, and footfall levels in many towns and cities due to drop off, there is an urgent need for action.
Businesses are increasingly worried about the coming months, with today’s GDP figure rising by just 0.1% and tax rises to hit smaller businesses hard in the new year.
Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP and the party’s Business Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP, have written to the Business Minister demanding action.
Liberal Democrat Daisy Cooper MP said: “Boris’ botched and rushed announcement of more Covid restrictions without offering any new support for our hospitality sector is a scandal.
“Our treasured pubs, restaurant and entertainment venues cannot withstand another grim Christmas. Independent businesses have worked hard and played by the rules throughout this pandemic, even when it has cost them dearly. In return, the government is pulling the rug from underneath their recovery from covid.
“There is no time to waste. We need an emergency package to save our town and city centres. The Government needs to hear directly from hospitality businesses what is needed for them to stay afloat, and then act upon it.”