MP urges Treasury minister to extend financial support for hospitality and tourism ahead of tomorrow’s budget

On the floor of the House of Commons this afternoon, local MP Tim Farron pressed ministers to provide a long-term package of support for Cumbria's hospitality and tourism sector ahead of the Chancellor's budget statement tomorrow.

Speaking during Treasury Questions, Tim said: "On Saturday in Cumbria, we proudly and safely reopened hospitality and tourism, which is our largest employer.

"But 69% of hospitality industry businesses will not be able to fully reopen and having lost most of the season the industry will see hundreds of successful businesses fail and tens of thousands of jobs lost, unless the Chancellor agrees to a package of grant and wage support in the budget statement tomorrow.

"Will he do that?"

In response, the Treasury minister Jesse Norman said: "There is an enormous amount of support already in the system.

"I'm delighted that shops and other organisations are opening up in his constituency.

"We look to see more of that over time as the support feeds through into the system."

Speaking afterwards, Tim said: "The minister's decision to dodge my question sadly does not fill me with much hope.

"If the Chancellor doesn't reach out to provide a substantial funding package then we will tragically see thousands of people in Cumbria losing their jobs in the coming days and weeks."