Tory MPs call on chancellor to increase support to hospitality sector

A group of 85 Conservative MPs have written to chancellor Rishi Sunak calling for a new support package for the tourism and hospitality sectors in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The letter to Sunak, spearheaded by Anthony Mangnall, MP for Totnes, called for an increase in the business rates relief threshold for these sectors, an extension of the furlough scheme and a VAT rebate.

Mangnall said: "Businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector were some of the first to close due to coronavirus and in many cases are expected to be some of the last to reopen after lockdown.

"While the government's existing support schemes are very welcome, we are asking for further measures to support these vital sectors and to provide a more tailored approach to safeguarding jobs, livelihoods and these vital industries."

The intervention comes after UKHospitality said more support would be required if a "bloodbath of job losses" is to be avoided.