CAROLINE Lucas is calling on the government to provide more support for the hospitality sector to help with Covid-19 cancellations.

In the wake of tightening Covid restrictions, the Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion says more must be done to help the sector in what is usually their busiest time of the year.

“It is absolutely vital that the Government offers hospitality businesses a lifeline so they know they can survive into the New Year and beyond,” she said.

“The hospitality sector has been through nearly two years of uncertainty and they’re now seeing mass cancellations at what is usually the busiest time of the year.

“The impact of this could be devastating for pubs and restaurants across the city.”

The MP said hospitality is one of the biggest employers in Brighton and Hove - accounting for thousands of jobs across the city.

“The VAT reduction should be extended beyond April when it’s due to end and businesses should be offered grants to help them through the next few difficult weeks, as well as greater flexibility on paying back Covid loans,” she added.

“There should also be extended and expanded business rates relief with the Government ensuring that local councils do not lose even more funding and a proper scheme of support for the self-employed, who are such a key part of this sector of our economy.

“We have already lost too many restaurants and other venues because of Covid lockdowns. Our city can’t afford to lose any more. Support from the government at this critical time could make all the difference.”

The call for action comes as government officials have reportedly drawn up plans to restrict numbers in pubs and restaurants or even close them completely in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

As MPs vote on Plan B restrictions in the House of Commons amid a concerning rise in Omicron cases in the UK, infection rates are expected to peak in January with New Year parties in doubt.

A Whitehall source told The Sun: “You will be able to see your family at Christmas, but at this rate, you might not be able to do it in a pub.

"As for New Year’s Eve, that is a different story.”

Dominic Raab has said the government’s Plan B will be enough to get the country through Christmas but did not rule out future restrictions to tackle Omicron.

He said the current set of measures, which include working from home and increased mask-wearing, will enable people to have the ability to spend the festive season “with loved ones” across England.

Discussing the accelerated booster rollout, he told Times Radio: “It’s a demanding target but the facts are that we will go into this Christmas with the ability to spend it with loved ones in a way that was impossible last year.”

He did not rule out further measures being considered for Christmas or new year, saying: “These issues are always discussed but we have got Plan B, that’s what we think is required over the Christmas period.”

The booster programme alongside Plan B is “where all our focus is”, he added.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) believes the Omicron variant is causing around 200,000 new infections per day.