Saturday 19 December 2020
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry has responded to London being escalated into Tier 4 status, with increased closures of businesses and heightened restriction on travel.
Richard Burge, Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We need to call Tier 4 what it is: lockdown. With our hospitality businesses already closed, the vast majority of the high street follows suit. International travel restrictions have huge implications for London’s airports and onward benefit into the capital’s and UK economy. The Central Activity Zone, that drives the economy of the whole country, has been closed.
“As the Prime Minister said: if the facts change you have to change your approach. Businesses understand that and will of course respond. The Government must urgently show that its change of approach also extends to recognising the disproportionate effect these steps have on the mass of businesses in the capital – particularly as so many have planned to recoup some of their 2020 lost revenue during the Christmas and New Year period.
"The Chancellor must this evening announce exceptional and immediate cash and small business grant aid for all uk retail, leisure and hospitality business that will be shutting their doors tonight. He must also issue appropriate instructions to banks and landlords, and must suspend the payment of all forms of taxes and rates to national and local government bodies.”