MP Calls for More Help for Pubs

East Yorkshire MP Sir Greg Knight is calling for extra Government assistance for the hospitality sector, including public houses, as a result of the imposition of COVID19 restrictions across the region which have forced many businesses to close.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Sir Greg said income from tourism and the hospitality sector is “vitally important to the local economy in East Yorkshire”, noting that current Tier 3 restrictions have made it virtually impossible for many businesses to cover their own fixed costs.

Following Sir Greg’s call, a number of other MPs echoed similar concerns.

In response, the Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP highlighted that the Government is already paying cash grants worth up to £3,000 and extra money had also been sent to local councils.  

Acknowledging the calls for extra assistance, Mr Rees -Mogg added that it is right that the Government should support the sector how it can.

Afterwards, Sir Greg welcomed the current assistance but said: “More needs to be done, particularly for small businesses in areas designated as Tier 3.  The Government regularly keeps the Tier restrictions under review and I am calling on them to listen to small hospitality businesses and do the same with the scope of assistance packages on offer. In short, more help is needed.”