As a member of the Night Time Economy All-Party Parliamentary Group I’m calling for further Government help for this key sector as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic. Vibrant night life is vital for our cities, but the businesses that create it need more support.

Clubs and live music, as well as bars and restaurant, have been hit hard by measures to tackle the pandemic and will be among the last able to open normally after lockdown. The sector needs support so that it can play an important part in rebuilding after this crisis.

You can read the Night Time Economy APPG report here, which encourages the Government to extend the furlough scheme until restrictions are lifted, as well as business rates and VAT relief. It also calls for an expansion of the Culture Recovery Fund, to reach those who have not been covered by it already.

I’ve been championing the case for the music, events and hospitality sectors throughout the pandemic and without immediate government support, jobs will be lost and threatening the night time economy and our city centres as we return to normal. This crucial sector needs to be part of the Covid exit strategies, and I hope the Prime Minister and Chancellor will listen to these recommendations.