Alex McIntyre

My hon. Friend makes an eloquent point raising important research from her constituency, and I am sure that the Minister has heard her intervention. I welcome the fact that the Government have made a start on business rates. I have continuously raised that issue with Ministers on behalf of Gloucester business owners, and it is good to see action. I know that the Minister shares my commitment to our hospitality industry, so it would be helpful if he set out how the Government intend to go further to support hospitality businesses in Gloucester. For future generations, I know how important a first job in hospitality can be. We have 2,500 young people not in employment, education or training in Gloucester; that is why I am hosting the Gloucestershire futures summit later this month at Kingsholm rugby stadium. Can the Minister set out how the Government will make it easier for hospitality businesses to hire young people and offer the part-time weekend jobs that are the springboard for many young people in my city? Our pubs, cafés and restaurants are where Gloucester comes together. I owe my family to the jobs that they create. Let us make sure that they are still there for the next generation.