Steve Brine asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to find his inner Glasto spirit during a Statement in the House of Commons today.
Responding to a short debate on Covid-19, and the various measures Government is taking to support the economy, the MP raised the plight of the independent festival sector which is facing tough times as a near total cancellation of events in 2020 becomes a reality.
He praised the PM for his caution - and optimism - in announcing a series of further unlock measures from the pandemic but said the festival industry, worth some £2.6bn to the UK economy, was falling foul of various schemes announced by the Government.
Steve said; "Many thousands of our constituents should be heading to Somerset this weekend for the 50th Glastonbury festival.
"Will the Prime Minister speak to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport about working with the independent festivals sector over the summer to ensure that that thriving industry, which is worth about £2.6 billion to the economy each year, still exists in 2021?
"Right now, many people working in the sector fall foul of the generous schemes put in place and for obvious reasons cannot trade their way out of their situation."
Responding Boris Johnson said; "Having performed briefly at Glastonbury myself many years ago—not to much acclaim, I may say—I am a keen admirer of that wonderful festival and of the whole sector that my hon. Friend identifies. As I have said several times in this statement, we are doing whatever we can to support that very valuable sector."
Pictured/Watch; Steve Brine asks PM Boris Johnson his question.
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