Covid-19 Update and Hospitality Curfew

Jane Hunt Excerpts

Thursday 1st October 2020 Commons Chamber

[Matt Hancock]

Yes, the £190 billion of extra funding has been there to support jobs, and of course we keep that, as with all these things, under review.

[Jane Hunt (Loughborough) (Con)]

I refer colleagues to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.

I understand and support the measures taken to reduce deaths from this terrible disease, and thank Ministers for all they have done to stem the tide of the virus. Please could my right hon. Friend consider allowing pubs, cafés, restaurants and casinos to extend their closing time when customers are still in the process of eating a hot meal? That would allow time for a second sitting of those venues without disturbing the safety elements of table service and social distancing. It would also mean a staggered time of exit from those venues, allowing better social distancing in the local community.

[Matt Hancock]

Of course, as we keep this under review, we will consider all the options. The clarity of the rule that was brought in was one of the reasons that it commends itself, but I would be happy to talk to my hon. Friend about the future.