Angela Rayner has called on Sir Keir Starmer to appoint a dedicated night-time economy minister, warning that 'more needs to be done' to support the sector. Speaking at a summit in Liverpool, the former deputy prime minister said venues face a 'triple whammy' of rising costs from business rates, VAT, and the minimum wage increase.
Rayner, who resigned as deputy leader last year amid a stamp duty row, argued the industry needs a 'true champion on the national stage'. She said: 'We need to recognise the value of this industry, economically, culturally, socially. We need to design policy with the industry and not for it.' She urged the Government to avoid a 'one-size-fits-all' approach.
The Labour MP also highlighted challenges from energy costs and licensing, calling for a 'more permissive approach'. Her remarks come after Chancellor Rachel Reeves cut business rate discounts for pubs in last year's budget, prompting a £300 million relief package in January.
Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith accused Rayner of 'finally realising the cumulative impact' of the Government's policies, but said her words 'ring hollow' given her role in the Employment Rights Bill. Downing Street has rejected claims of a 'boys' club' culture, but the Prime Minister has said he would consider reviving the role of first secretary of state for a woman.
