Lib Dem MP calls on Government to protect “invaluable” hospitality sector as key conference motion passes

The Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh has welcomed the passing of a Liberal Democrat policy at the party’s conference which has called on the Government to do more to protect hospitality businesses. 

The ‘Backing hospitality for growth and jobs’ motion, adopted at the party’s conference in Bournemouth, highlights the importance of protecting hospitality businesses and calls on the Government to take “concrete steps” to back the sector. 

For years, hospitality businesses have been facing monumental challenges, including workforce shortages, the Coronavirus pandemic, a broken business rates system, the energy crisis and the economic mismanagement of the previous Conservative government. 

The policy motion calls for the Government to make hospitality SMEs exempt from their unfair employers’ National Insurance increase, and calls for consultations on the creation of a new employers’ National Insurance contributions band from £5,000 to £9,100 with a lower rate, to lower the cost of employing part-time staff.

Liz Jarvis MP welcomed the motion, and has called on the Government to do more to protect the sector.

Liz Jarvis, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, said:  

“Pubs, restaurants and cafes make invaluable social and cultural contributions to our communities and are absolutely vital in Eastleigh, breathing life into our high streets and town centres. 

“However, they are being punished by a government blocking their pathway to prosperity, with their unfair National Insurance hike, which disproportionately impacts the hospitality sector. Coupled with other challenges like the pandemic, times are treacherous for this vital part of the economy.

“The Government should take concrete steps to back hospitality businesses and recognise their importance in boosting our economy. I want to see high streets in Eastleigh being supported so they can thrive.”