Rishi Sunak has been under attack after he went on a business trip to California. Meanwhile, the Omicron coronavirus variant is causing havoc in the UK’s economy.
The US is where the Chancellor is currently for what Downing Street describes as a long planned trip.
As hospitality companies continue to press Treasury for financial assistance to pubs and bars, they have been critical of the timing of their visit.
Boris Johnson’s warning to the nation and Professor Chris Whitty’s appeal to people to reduce their socializing in the lead up to Christmas have caused an uproar.
In light of claims that Mr Sunak has been placed under a lockdown by stealth, industry bosses demand that he’show up and support the sector’
Simon Clarke, Chief Secretary of Treasury and Chancellor, called hospitality leaders this afternoon to discuss its impact.
Rishi Sunak has been under attack after he went on a business trip to California. Meanwhile, the Omicron coronavirus variant is wreaking havoc in the UK’s economy
Criticism has been raised about the timing of the visit. Hospitality firms are continuing to press the Treasury for financial assistance to pubs, bars, and restaurants that will survive winter.
Today, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesperson was asked by Questioner why the Chancellor’s visit had not been listed on the weekly list of government engagements.
He said, “I don’t really know. I would have to consult (the Treasury) on that. But, I think my understanding of it is a long-planned and long-standing trip.”
Spokesman for Treasury said that the Chancellor is currently in the USA on a long-planned visit to conduct government business.
“He’s in constant communication with employees back home. He will also be speaking today to UK hospitality business to listen to their concerns.
Mr Sunak and Mr Clarke held one-on-one meetings with business and hospitality chiefs this afternoon.
Downing Street said some of the companies and organisations who took part were Prezzo, Black Sheep Brewery, Nando’s, Greene King, Whitbread, Adnams, the Confederation of British Industry, the Federation of Small Businesses, British Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Wholesale Distributors and UK Hospitality.
Number 10 stated that it recognized the “difficult situation” in the hospitality sector, but declined to provide additional financial support.
Young’s pub boss has asked Mr Sunak for his support and to reinstate a lower VAT rate and holiday rates at business rates.
Patrick Dardis is the chief executive officer of the 220-strong group. He stated that ‘I don’t know where Rishi Sunak’s right now, but he should show up to give support for the industry.
Labour demanded that the Government announce a new package for business support before the end of the day.
Boris Johnson’s warning to the nation and Professor Chris Whitty’s appeal to people to reduce their socializing in the lead up to Christmas have caused an uproar.
Shadow Treasury minister Pat McFadden stated that Mr Sunak made the decision to travel to California Tuesday, despite it being obvious that UK businesses would struggle to deal with what the Prime Minister called a “tidal wave Omicron”?
“Even though he may be abroad, California does not constitute a communication desert. They have television there, I’ve even heard they have the internet, but it’s still radio silence from the Chancellor – tumbleweed rolling through the Treasury.’
McFadden stated that the Chancellor should speak to UK companies who are losing bookings every hour, and seeing their December profits disappear into thin air.