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Social Distancing Restrictions: Support for the Night-Time Economy — [Stewart Hosie in the Chair]

08 June 2021

Lead MP

Lloyd Russell-Moyle
Brighton, Kemptown
Lab

Responding Minister

Paul Scully

Tags

NHSEmploymentForeign Affairs
Word Count: 4182
Other Contributors: 1

At a Glance

Lloyd Russell-Moyle raised concerns about social distancing restrictions: support for the night-time economy — [stewart hosie in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

I ask the Government to provide clear guidelines on social distancing measures, offer financial support for businesses facing insolvency when rent moratoriums end, negotiate with landlords to ensure fair burden sharing, match the Welsh and Scottish Governments' commitment to business relief, delay VAT increases for cultural venues, and follow scientific advice to allow reopening with effective mitigations such as testing and vaccines.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Brighton, Kemptown
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the uncertainty surrounding social distancing restrictions and their impact on the night-time economy. The Prime Minister's inconsistent messaging has led to businesses making financial commitments based on reopening plans that may change without notice. A survey by the Night Time Industries Association found that 90% of businesses fear a delay in full reopening would threaten their survival, with many already placing orders for stock and hiring staff. Additionally, there is an urgent need to address job losses and skill shortages within the industry, including door security personnel who have left due to uncertain conditions.

Government Response

Paul Scully
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hosie. I congratulate the hon. Member for Brighton, Kemptown on securing today's important debate. The Minister recognises the huge disruptions that the covid-19 pandemic has caused to people's lives and acknowledges the cultural, economic, and wellbeing contributions of the night-time economy. He highlights the gradual steps taken in the Prime Minister's road map to reopen the sector safely, driven by data rather than dates. The Government aims to restore public confidence and kick-start recovery for the industry while ensuring that the decision will be made based on caseload, case rates, vaccination effects, hospitalisations, and NHS pressure. He addresses staffing shortages due to furlough preferences, worker departures, and job changes. On financial support, he discusses the challenges of balancing tenants' needs with landlords' rights during rent moratorium negotiations. The Minister emphasizes ongoing work on a hospitality strategy focusing on reopening, recovery, resilience, skills development, and sustainability. He assures continued cautious approach to restrictions until full capacity can be safely achieved by 21 June, depending on data reviews.
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.