Helena Dollimore

Helena Dollimore

Labour (Co-op) — Hastings and Rye

Speaking in the House of Commons on 25 February 2026

Debate

Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition

Contribution

I thank my hon. Friend. Indeed, we have many replicas of the tapestry. There is the one he mentioned in Reading museum. There is also one that Hastings borough council has in storage, and I am urging it to take it out of storage and put it on show in time for the big moment later this year. I am also aware that the hon. Member for Bexhill and Battle (Dr Mullan) will speak later about another one that is under way. As I have said, much of our area relies on the tourist economy, which supports one in five jobs in our region. We have a wealth of small, fantastic independent pubs, restaurants and hotels, which work exceptionally hard to give our visitors a warm welcome. This has to be a big moment for them, when they too feel the benefits. Although there may be other beautiful places in the UK that we compete with, this is a one-in-the-eye for them and our big chance to showcase everything that Hastings, Rye and the villages have to offer. The return of the Bayeux tapestry will be a national moment that belongs to the whole country, but it must have a special place for the people of 1066 country, where this story began.

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