Sarah Dines MP has welcomed positive discussions with Ministers on the safe reopening of the leisure, sport and hospitality sector.
Sarah said, ‘I am reassured by the positive discussions I have had with Ministers including the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department of Culture Media and Sport Nigel Huddleston MP that the re-opening of much loved community sports and activities such as 5-a-side football, swimming pools, open air performances, leisure centres and gyms is being actively reconsidered at the highest level. I look forward to an announcement by the government in due course and I will continue to question Ministers on this matter as we proceed to open up safely step by step in accordance with the science. The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care The Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP even referenced the great open-air pools of Derbyshire in the House of Commons today so our wonderful community assets in Derbyshire Dales are right at the forefront of present Ministerial discussions.
Furthermore, I welcome the fantastic £1.57 billion rescue package that has been announced to support the arts, culture and heritage industries. Thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access emergency grants and loans. The money, which represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture, will provide a lifeline to vital cultural and heritage organisations across the country hit hard by the pandemic.
I am very pleased that the government recognises the significance of these sectors and I welcome both their ambition to reopen, but also to financially assist so many important charities and businesses.
