Watch my speech calling for the government to protect our hospitality sector

This summer, I visited 52 communities across South Devon for my surgery tour, and at nearly every stop, someone spoke to me about the importance of their local pub.

These places are so much more than just somewhere to grab a pint or something to eat.

They are where communities come together, and they are a brilliant first step into the working world for young people.

I remember my first job at the Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh – it taught me so much. Jobs in hospitality give you real-world skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. These are skills you keep for life.

With nearly a million young people aged 16 to 24 not currently in education, employment, or training, we must do everything we can to ensure sectors like hospitality are thriving and creating jobs. As I said during a debate this week, at a time when our country needs to boost employment and revitalise local communities, the government should be encouraging this sector to grow, not holding it back.