Hospitality minister role to be debated

The campaign for a UK hospitality minister is to be debated in parliament today after an online petition surpassed its 100,000 signature target.

#SeatAtTheTable is a 30-day social media campaign founded by Robin Hutson - chief executive of Home Grown Hotels and Lime Wood Group - and as of today (11 Janaury) the petition had reached 204,421 signatures.

Two UK government departments currently represent hospitality: the department for digital, culture, media and sport; and the department for business, energy and industrial strategy.

It is hoped a sole representative for the industry would be able to promote the sector's vital contribution to the social fabric of UK society, as well as its economic value and role in employment.

Prominent industry figures have been getting behind the campaign via social media to help promote the cause.

"We need more than ever a minister for hospitality," tweets chef Angela Harnett. "The more signatures, the bigger the influence on our MPs. This is for all areas of hospitality, please forward/sign."

Readers can access the petition here.