Cumbrian MPs back tourism campaign as petition hits over 1,500 signatures in 24 hours
Cumbria Tourism received a boost today after Barrow MP Simon Fell and Penrith and the Border MP Neil Hudson threw their weight behind the campaign.
The petition, which has already received over 1,500 signatures since it was launched yesterday, calls for the Government to provide a package of financial support for the hospitality and tourism industry to help it through the rest of 2020 and into the Spring of next year.
Tim is also encouraging other MPs from across the country to sign his Early Day Motion on this issue in Parliament.
Tim said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Simon and Neil are supporting this campaign.
"The visitor economy is absolutely essential to the whole of Cumbria and so their voices in pushing for more financial support for local businesses in the hospitality and tourism trade will be really important.
Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism said: "What a brilliant start to this petition. On behalf of the hundreds of very worried businesses a massive thank you to all who have signed already and huge thanks to our Cumbrian MPs for adding their weight to this campaign."
Dr Neil Hudson MP said: "The Government has done a great job in supporting businesses and people through this crisis, including many hugely welcome schemes that have benefited the tourism and hospitality sectors such as the job retention scheme, business grants and loans.
"But these sectors, which are so important here in Cumbria, will be slower to get back up to speed and that is why I have supported this cross-party call for targeted and extended support, as I have also done through representations to Government and in my speech in the Commons Covid-19 Debate."
Simon Fell MP said: "Tourism is crucial to Cumbria's economy but Coronavirus has hit the sector hard.
"I'm keen to see support for the sector so that our museums, nature reserves, attractions and local businesses are ready to hit the ground running once it is safe to see visitors return, and have the financial security to continue and thrive."
To sign the petition head to https://www.southlakeslibdems.org.uk/tourism