Fresh bid for Highland tourism industry help 'ignored' by Jacob Rees-Mogg, says Ross MP
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THE Scottish Government's announcement today that the tourism industry can begin to open for business from July 15 prompted Easter Ross MP Jamie Stone to renew appeals for wider assistance.
But his Westminster appeal for time to discuss how the UK government could "safely look after tourism for the next 12 months... in a manner that will not risk the spread of the virus" did not find favour with the Leader of the House.
In response to Mr Stone's question,Jacob Rees-Mogg suggested that enough has been done to support the industry.
He ignored Mr Stone's request for a debate on the issue and instead suggested that the priority should be to "help people get the confidence to travel".
Speaking later, Mr Stone said: "Jacob Rees-Mogg thinks the Government has done enough to support our tourism industry - I beg to differ.
"I pressed him on about the need for a 12-month support package for the tourism and hospitality industry, which would help counteract the losses they have endured due to lockdown. He ignored this point.
"I pressed him on the importance of that industry on youth unemployment - a point he also ignored.
"I pressed him on the need to support our local business in that industry in how they can open safely, without risking a resurgence in the virus. He ignored that as well.
"Instead, Mr Rees-Mogg seemed hell-bent on praising the Government's support of the industry through the Chancellor's furlough scheme, but the reality is that the industry has not had any specialised support.
"I have no choice now but to organise a cross-party campaign demanding that the Government helps the tourism industry. Their indecision and neglect is hurting hard working people from the Far North to the tip of Cornwall. I will continue to raise this issue, regardless of how inconvenient or irritating it might be to Ministers!"
Mr Rees-Mogg said: "His question is very important that tourism is one of the industries the most affected by these closures. The Government has taken huge steps for the economic revival of the country with the furlough scheme and with the schemes to help small businesses access loans from the banks. Also with the rate cancellations so that they have less cash outflow, but no doubt other things are needed to be done to help people get the confidence once again to travel without risking the health of the nation."
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