Doncaster MP calls for better support for wedding industry
Ed Miliband claims the sector has been "left out in the cold"
There are calls for more to be done to help the wedding industry.
Doncaster North MP, and Shadow Business Secretary, Ed Miliband, says the industry faces a 430-million pound hit in December on top of losses throughout the year because of cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He says the industry is "seriously struggling" as the sector doesn’t get emergency support because it’s not legally forced to close.
Most ceremonies and receptions have been restricted to just 15 people, seeing lots of couples cancel or postpone their big day.
Mr Miliband said: "The wedding industry plays a huge role in what is for many people one of the most special days in their life and plays a crucial role in our economy.
"Businesses in the wedding industry are seriously struggling, having lost out on almost half a billion pounds just this December, as well as losing their entire peak season.
"Yet the Government has left them out in the cold and failed to give them access to the support they need to survive.
"With a vaccine rollout in sight, the Government must stop dismissing this important industry and help ensure these businesses are here on the other side of the crisis.''
Earlier this month, Boris Johnson - who is engaged to Carrie Symonds - said 2021 should allow "lots of happy nuptial events''.
"It's my strong hope and belief that by the summer, one way or the other, whether by vaccination - which I hope and believe we will have delivered by Easter as I say - or by lateral flow testing, we'll be in a different world,'' Mr Johnson said.
"So my hope is that, by summer, it really will be a different world for the weddings and events industry.''
Weddings are banned in England's Tier 4 except in exceptional circumstances, such as when one of the couple is on their deathbed.
Even in the least onerous Tier 1, just fifteen guests are allowed at weddings and receptions.