Cities of London and Westminster MP Nickie Aiken has today asked the Leader of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, to grant parliamentary time for a debate on support for both theatre owners and producers.
Coronavirus has had a devastating impact on the arts as a whole across the UK. Its impact on the Two Cities has been particularly severe. As things stand, 70 per cent of theatres and cultural venues in London’s iconic West End will run out of cash by the end of the year. Without support there is the very real prospect that some of its most iconic venue may never reopen.
In requesting a debate, Nickie highlighted that the permanent closure of cultural venues and theatres would be devastating to our local economy. Theatres and cultural venues bring in visitors who stay in hotels, visit bars, eat at restaurants and go shopping. For every £1 that a theatre goer spends on their ticket and further £5 on average at these businesses.
Responding to Nickie’s request, the Leader of the House of Commons affirmed that the Government is taking steps to support artistic industries. He added that the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture Media and Sport acknowledges the difficulties posed by live theatres performances and recognised that the reopening of them will require a different approach.
You can find out more about the challenges facing the West End on her website.
