‘Don’t close parliament until pub bailout agreed’ say Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats have called for the current parliament session to be extended and made virtual to pass new business support measures in light of mass cancellations.

With the Omicron variant causing disruption for the hospitality industry, Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain said: “MPs should not break up for Christmas until we pass a deal to keep our pubs, cafes and restaurants alive. If businesses can keep working virtually to get last minute deals over the line, then so can politicians.

“How can we look our local landlord in the eye and tell them Parliament broke up for Christmas when they are on the brink of going under?”

The MP for North East Fife also hit out at chancellor Rishi Sunak, who is in California on government business at the moment, saying: “The Chancellor must get on the next plane back from his California jaunt to move heaven and earth to save a hospitality sector on the brink of collapse.

“I will be ready to pass any new business support package in Parliament the Government brings forward. Get a move on Chancellor, the clock is ticking.”