A group of 85 Conservative MPs, led by Totnes MP Anthony Mangnall, have written to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, calling for a greater support for the tourism and hospitality sectors in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the Government has already introduced measures to help keep businesses afloat, including the furlough scheme and business loans, the MPs argue more specific support is needed.

The letter to Mr Sunak, organised byMr Mangnall, calls for an increase in the business rates relief threshold for these sectors, an extension of the furlough scheme, and for a VAT rebate.

Th move follows the launch of an inquiry by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism on how to help businesses in these sectors weather the crisis, while a recent survey found that just one-quarter of eligible businesses had received a hospitality grant.

Mr Mangnall said: “Businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector were some of the first to close due to coronavirus and in many cases are expected to be some of the last to reopen after lockdown.

“While the Government’s existing support schemes are very welcome, we are asking for further measures to support these vital sectors and to provide a more tailored approach to safeguarding jobs, livelihoods and these vital industries.”