MP votes for furlough scheme and self-employment support scheme to be extended for hospitality and tourism

Yesterday in Parliament, South Lakes MP Tim Farron voted to extend support for businesses and jobs in the sectors that have struggled the most during the COVID-19 crisis, including hospitality and tourism.

The motion, put forward by the opposition, called on the Government to "abandon its one-size-fits-all withdrawal of the Coronavirus Job Retention and Self-Employment Income Support Schemes, and instead offer targeted income support to businesses and self-employed people in those sectors of the economy that have been hardest hit by the virus".

Speaking in the House of Commons ahead of the vote, Tim said: "I am particularly concerned about tourism in the Lakes and Dales.

We had a very busy August, and that was welcome, but most businesses could not operate at anywhere near capacity and therefore they could not turn a profit after losing £1.6 billion in the first part of the year.

"We need a special package to support hospitality and tourism, especially through the winter months, before the new season kicks in next year?"

The motion was voted down by Conservative MPs, by 249 votes to 329 votes.