Higher Wiscombe

I’ve spent years talking about the need for hospitality to unite behind one clear ask. Over the last eight months I’ve pushed harder because I genuinely believe that without a united industry, a VAT cut simply won’t happen. The last couple of days have been significant. For the first time Hospitality has finally united behind a common message. Over the last couple of months the industry has come together there has been broad agreement around a simple principle: Hospitality needs VAT in line with Europe and we all need to get behind that. (Finally!) Not ten different messages. One industry. One ask. It was also a proud moment to have my statement read at the latest Hospitality Roundtable by the ever-supportive Hospitality champion @rosieduffieldmp_offi not to mention a lovely mention in the House. Having spent years campaigning for this cause, it felt like big step forward in what has been a long journey. That moment has arrived. The trade bodies have united and the brilliant @cheftomkerridge & @UKHofficial has spearheaded a new #VATsTheProblem campaign alongside all the major trade bodies. The reality is that major change only happens when operators, trade bodies, suppliers, campaigners, politicians and influential voices come together behind a common purpose. That’s been our main aim. Hospitality is the UK’s third largest employer. We create careers, support communities, drive tourism, fill our high streets and generate billions for the economy. Yet we continue to operate with one of the highest hospitality VAT rates in Europe. That cannot continue forever. For the first time everyone is moving as one and I genuinely believe the industry now has the momentum, support and unity needed to deliver meaningful change. This campaign now needs every pub, restaurant, café, hotel, nightclub, attraction, supplier and hospitality professional to get behind it. Because this is no longer about individual businesses. It is about the future of hospitality itself. It is no longer a question of if. It is a question of when. United we stand. Divided we fall. #VATsTheProblem #VATInlineWithEurope #CutVAT #Hospitality

The only way to save this industry and to solve unemployment is to cut Vat in line with Europe #VatinlonewithEurope #Hospitality bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0…

Thanks to @LBCNews @LBC @NickFerrariLBC for helping to highlight the 33,000 closures since the 2024 elections. That’s 70 a day. Not to mention the amount of jobs lost. #TaxedOut @wonky_table @HospoVoices we need a #VATCUT in line with Europe and we need it now. #Hospitality #HospitalityVoices

We now have combined and united trade bodies, Hospitality celebrities and Hospo voices and a whole industry moving together, with one ask and in one direction CUT VAT IN LINE WITH EUROPE. #VAT #CutVat #VatCut #Hospitality If you can’t hear us you’re not listening. All this against political backdrop of all the major parties now taking positions on #HospitalityVAT —- @HospoVoices #HospitalityVoices @wonky_table @ntiaofficial @UKHofficial @BIIandBIIAB @CampaignforPubs @scothospgroup @CAMRA_Official @FSB_Voice @NFFF_UK @IoH_Online