Covid-19: Government Support for Business Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Covid-19: Government Support for Business

Lord Beamish Excerpts
Thursday 16th December 2021

(3 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Glen Portrait John Glen
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The advice is clear: one should get the booster as quickly as possible—I did so on Saturday—take lateral flow tests and act responsibly. On Monday, I shall take my Salisbury team out for lunch.

Lord Beamish Portrait Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab)
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Public health messages need to be clear and consistent, but last night the Prime Minister’s press conference was confusing and sowed turmoil in the hospitality sector. Another sector that is already hurting is small coach and bus operators, such as Stanley Travel in my constituency, who rely on Christmas and the new year for income to tide them over the fallow period of January and February. When the Chancellor comes back from his winter sun trip to California, will the Minister ensure that he does not forget the sector as we look at support in the coming months?

John Glen Portrait John Glen
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The right hon. Gentleman legitimately raises a point about the whole range of businesses affected. That is why the Government’s priority was to give local authorities maximum discretion in how to allocate funds. As the Chancellor has done yesterday, today and every day, he will continue to focus on the needs of the economy and businesses up and down the country.