I had the great pleasure of hosting Nigel Huddleston MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Heritage and Civil society last Friday. His visit was quite apt since we are a great tourist destination, we have lots of great heritage attractions, we are quite good at sport, particularly on the river and we are generally a civil people. Picking up on the river theme he started his day punting as a guest of Scudamores, having a go himself, no he did not fall in. Then we walked through the city taking in some of our local businesses such as The Mill Pub, Fitzbillies and stopping at the Corpus Clock where he met Taj Khan our wonderful BID Ambassador who meets and greets visitors every day.

I was keen to hear his views on several topics and I was able to press him on supporting the return of international visitors that are so vital to our city. I also requested that the Government look again at the points-based immigration system that does not currently value workers in the retail hospitality and leisure sectors, He mentioned that there were over 1million EU workers with settled status who returned home during the pandemic and could return now to work here with no impediments, this is an untapped labour market we need to attract back.

We also talked about education and skills and he shared my concern that many students go to university and leave with high debts and not using their degree in the workplace. I asked him what could be done to ensure the education system better serves the needs of our local economies and produces the skills we need.

His visit was ahead of English Tourism Week from March 18th to 27th, as the weather improves it is a great opportunity to explore your city before the busy summer season. To help with this, it is also Cambridge Restaurant week this week when around 40 eateries have special offers to entice you in. https://www.love-cambridge.com/restaurant-week/