Tougher restrictions show urgent need for longer-term support for tourism and hospitality - MP

Commenting on today's news that pubs operating under Tier 2 will only be able to trade if customers have a "substantial meal", local MP Tim Farron said: "Since the beginning of this pandemic I have supported the Government's efforts to stop the spread of this deadly virus and save lives.

"But protecting livelihoods and making sure people are able to continue to put food on their table is a big part of that.

"The restrictions announced today means that if we end up in Tier 2, our local, wet-led community pubs here in the South Lakes will stay closed this December but with no compensation.

"We urgently need to see that long-term package of support for tourism and hospitality that we've been pushing for, otherwise we risk seeing the pubs that are the heart of our communities calling time for good."