Covid-19 Update and Hospitality Curfew

Debate between Matt Hancock and Jane Hunt

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.

Covid-19 Update

Debate between Matt Hancock and Jane Hunt

Thursday 16th July 2020 Commons Chamber

[Matt Hancock]

I have not seen those figures, but what I do know is that local councils have incredibly important responsibilities in this space and we will now act to make sure that we tackle some of the challenges that we find, especially in Leicester.

[Jane Hunt (Loughborough) (Con)]

I welcome the targeted new approach to business closures in the local lockdown area. However, the current lockdown has affected businesses both within that area and outside it, because people have decided not to open for fear of an unmanageable number of people coming to their establishments. Will the Secretary of State look to offer additional support for those businesses?

[Matt Hancock]

The support available nationally to businesses, which is incredibly generous, is of course available to those outside the areas in question. I do understand the impact on businesses, both in Leicester and more broadly. All I can say is that that national support is available to all.