Hospitality businesses across Newport and Islwyn need support from the Government not patronising and condescending statements.
That was the plea from Natasha Asghar MS as she challenged the Welsh Labour Government over its lack of support for the hospitality sector this week.
The South Wales East politician criticised the First Minister Eluned Morgan for her recent comments about the best way to support pubs is for people to stop watching Netflix.
Natasha quizzed the government about what action it was taking to support businesses, warning the sector was “facing extremely troubling times.”
She told the Senedd:
“We know the Welsh Government has announced it will provide extra funding for the food and drink sector, but it is just a drop in the ocean, and there is no long-term security.
“It appears as though, in light of the funding announcement, the First Minister has now washed her hands with it telling us we cannot expect the state to step in to help.
“Instead of helping, the First Minister believes the onus should be on the public and has told people to stop watching Netflix and stop buying wine to drink at home.”
Natasha asked the Economy Minister Rebecca Evans:
“Do you share the First Minister’s view? And what do you say to those owners of hospitality businesses in my region of South Wales East who are struggling thanks to more than a quarter of a century of failure from successive Labour governments?”
Rebecca Evans MS responded by saying that two thirds of hospitality businesses in Wales have full rate relief.
She added: “So I do think that we invest significantly. At the same time, of course, I recognise that a number of businesses are finding rates particularly challenging, after the recent revaluation.”
Commenting after the exchange, Natasha Asghar MS said:
“Hospitality businesses, and pubs in particular, are often the beating hearts of many communities across Newport and Islwyn, but they are facing real uncertainty and difficult times at the moment.
“With Labour’s National Insurance increases, higher operating costs, and the most severe business rates in Great Britain, the hospitality sector is in need of a friend.
“Sadly, it doesn’t look like the Labour Government is willing to be that friend. Businesses need help, not patronising and condescending comments like we heard from the First Minister recently.”
