UKHospitality has welcomed the restructure of government departments and the creation of a new department to focus on energy security.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak carried out a mini-reshuffle yesterday (7 February), which included the breakup of the department for business, energy, and industrial strategy.
The new department for energy security and net zero will be responsible for long-term energy supply and bringing down bills as well as inflation. Grant Shapps has been appointed secretary of state for energy security and net zero.
Responding to the restructuring, UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls said: “Given the seismic impact that rising energy costs have had – and continue to have - on hospitality venues, the creation of a new department to focus on energy security is good news.
“The importance of energy to business operations cannot be overstated, especially at a time when so many other inflationary pressures are in play, so this separation within Government must not lead to any disconnect in policymaking and engagement. In fact, working together will also be essential for hospitality businesses to deliver economic growth and achieve its net zero ambitions.
“Hopefully, the restructuring of DCMS priorities will herald a new focus on the role tourism plays in the UK, contributing £75 billion to the economy, and as a key export trade. The department’s Tourism Recovery Plan is essential for the sector and I look forward to working together on its delivery.”
