The cut in VAT will help restart the tourism sector, a senior minister told Fylde MP Mark Menzies.

During a Parliamentary topical questions session with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Mr Menzies raised the impact of coronavirus on the domestic and hospitality sectors.

He asked: “With the domestic hospitality and tourism sectors raring to rebound following the recent disruption, what is the Department doing to encourage the British public to support these efforts and visit our coastal tourist attractions and resorts, in particular the gem that is the Fylde coast?”

DCMS Secretary of State Oliver Dowden told him: “I share my hon. Friend’s love of the Fylde coast, and I used to enjoy taking a dip in the sea in October when we had party conferences in Blackpool.

“It is precisely for such reasons that we have announced a massive VAT cut to help restart the tourism sector.”

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Menzies has fought for earlier opening for campsites and caravan parks, and met with industry organisations and business leaders to discuss best practice for getting businesses open again.