The Petitions Committee has written a letter to the Prime Minister, after a petition Create a Minister for Hospitality in the UK Government received more than 208,000 signatures. A debate on this petition was held on 11 January, where Members across the House expressed support for petitioners’ calls for a dedicated Minister for Hospitality.

• Read the letter from Chair Catherine McKinnell MP to Prime Minister Boris Johnson
• Watch the debate
• Read the transcript

In the letter, the Committee highlights that hospitality is one of the few industries which exists in all parts of the country, covering the arts, culture and tourism. It notes that the sector will play a crucial role in the recovery from the covid-19 recession, particularly in providing jobs for young people.

Although the letter recognises that there is gratitude for the support the Government has already given through measures such as the Job Retention Scheme, it highlights the lack of a long-term strategy for the hospitality industry and urges the Government develop a more coordinated approach to the hospitality industry.

Petitions Committee Chair comments

“Although the Government has provided a range of support to the hospitality industry throughout this pandemic, it is clear that there are still many great challenges that lie ahead as the country begins to recover. A coordinated approach on this issue is vital.

“The hospitality industry has been particularly vulnerable during the pandemic, and although great efforts have been made to adapt quickly, thousands of businesses have been left struggling and unclear about what lies ahead in the coming months.

“It is crucial that there is a strong voice within Government to represent the diverse interests of those who own businesses and work within the hospitality sector to prevent further closures and losses of jobs.

“The Prime Minister is the only person in Government with the authority to create this position, and I urge him and his Ministerial colleagues to make time to meet with the petitioners to listen to their concerns."

Source: committees.parliament.uk