MP challenges ministers to provide long-term support for Cumbria’s tourism and hospitality industry

South Lakes MP Tim Farron today directly challenged ministers to provide a long-term package of support to save Cumbria's hospitality and tourism sector.

Tim made the plea during a meeting with several Government ministers and Cumbrian leaders designed at discussing plans to restart the local economy.

In response the Local Government and Regional Growth minister Simon Clarke said that the Government were looking at various ways to help the industry post COVID-19 and that he would consider any proposals for long-term support.

Speaking afterwards, Tim said: "I'm grateful to the ministers for meeting with myself and other local political and industry leaders to talk about how we build back better from this crisis.

"However, I thought it was important that we addressed the elephant in the room which is that our local economy has zero chance of recovering if our biggest employer, tourism and hospitality, is just allowed to collapse this winter.

"The sector operates on a feast and famine basis but with the virus forcing the industry to close its doors through spring and half of summer, the crucial feast has been replaced with nothing more than a small picnic with many businesses and jobs on the line as a result.

"That's why we need the Government to provide longer-term support to help the industry get back on its feet."