'Together, we can face a successful future and Build Back Better'

Boris Johnson has agreed to meet with the petitioners campaign for a uk Hospitality minister.

The Prime Minister confirmed that his minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour markets, Paul Scully, would meet with Claire Bosi, one of the instigators behind the 200,000 + signature  “Create a Minister for Hospitality in the UK Government” petition. 

The debate over whether or not to instate a minister for hospitality reached the House of Lords last week after being discussed by ministers, where several Conservative party members seemed to back the case for a hospitality minister.

Whitehall's argument has so far been that there is no call for a hospitality minister, as, it says, the sector is already represented - albeit across two departments - to the highest standard.

The editor of Chef & Restaurant Magazine told Hospitality and Catering News that she welcomed the opportunity to put the case to government. 

"The whole hospitality industry, and its critical supply chain of farmers, fishermen, producers, manufacturers is placing its faith in Boris Johnson and Paul Scully to recognise the benefits of such an appointment," she said,  alluding to the potential for hospitality to play a dominating role in rebuilding the economy.

"Together, we can face a successful future and 'Build Back Better,' she added.

“2020 was the first year, in the history of the hospitality industry, that we collectively raised our voices to ask for representation at government level. It is a credit to every signature, every voice and every business that supported the petition to have come this far.

“Though the effects of the pandemic on hospitality have been devastating, the pandemic has also highlighted just how critical hospitality is to the UK. Socially and economically we are the backbone of all four nations, leading the way to employment for millions, while supporting a lengthy supply and logistics chain.

“Moving forward from the pandemic, the hospitality industry is placed to become the key driver back to sound economic activity. But this must not end there. Forging on from Covid, with a Minister for Hospitality in place, the government can support the growth of our hospitality industry, attract investment to our shores, suggest and work through economic incentives that encourage growth within the industry and reinforce hospitality as a viable, aspirational and rewarding career choice.

“Our hospitality industry needs to be more co-ordinated within government, with one sole minister responsible for pulling us all together, and driving forwards clear visions for the future. We need to strengthen our representation. Without question, we are an asset to the UK that previous Governments and Prime Ministers have overlooked."