Chancellor Rishi Sunak will return to the UK from California early to hold more talks with business leaders as calls grow for more support for firms hit by the Omicron crisis.
On Thursday the Chancellor and his team held talks with hospitality and trade groups representing those hit hard by the wave of Omicron cases. Venues are reporting many cancellations as people choose to stay away following Government advice that people should limit socialising over Christmas and the New Year.
Mr Sunak's trip to California has caused controversy, with politicians and business leaders calling for him to return. Tonight it was confirmed he would be returning to the UK on an earlier flight following his "long planned" trip.
Read more: Restaurant and pub owners call for Government support amid Omicron Covid crisis
Mr Sunak said: “This Government has done whatever it takes at every stage to support lives and livelihoods throughout this pandemic – and of course we will continue to do so.
“We understand that this is a concerning time for businesses. Myself and my wider team met with business representatives earlier today, listened to their concerns and will continue to work with industry leaders over the coming days.
“To keep safeguarding our economic recovery and the lives and livelihoods of the British people our priority is now to make sure everyone has the opportunity to get boosted now.”
Earlier , shadow Treasury chief secretary Pat McFadden said: “Why did he decide to proceed with a trip to California on Tuesday when it was already clear that UK businesses were struggling to cope with what the Prime Minister himself has called a ‘tidal wave of Omicron’?”
Earlier it was confirmed that some of the organisations involved in meetings with ministers today were the Confederation of British Industry, the Federation of Small Businesses, British Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, UK Hospitality, Prezzo, Black Sheep Brewery, Nando’s, Greene King, Whitbread and Adnams.
