Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to prevent the closure of businesses in the hospitality industry as a result of the covid-19 tiered system of restrictions.

We are engaging regularly with the hospitality industry to understand their concerns and to help them through this difficult time. The Government has provided an unprecedented package of support for businesses in the hospitality sector. Measures include the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until March 2021, grant and loan schemes, the ability for businesses to defer VAT payments, and business rates holidays.