How will government policy support the re-opening of museums, galleries and historic buildings affected by the coronavirus pandemic? This briefing examines recent developments.
Coronavirus: Museums, Galleries and Historic Buildings (226 KB, PDF)
In March 2020, the Government announced a nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus. This included the closure of tourism sites, such as museums, galleries and historic buildings. In response to the pandemic, the Government introduced several measures to support businesses retain employees and to help businesses with their income. These include:
On 5 May 2020, the parliamentary under secretary at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nigel Huddleston, stated that the Government had held “multiple recent discussions” with tourism businesses on developing guidance to help facilitate the re-opening of businesses. However, the Government would “continue to be guided by the latest medical advice”. Further, on 11 May 2020, the Government published its Covid-19 recovery strategy. In the strategy, the Government stated that its ambition was to open some leisure venues no earlier than 4 July 2020.
In addition to the Government’s measures, the National Lottery Heritage Fund recently announced a £50 million emergency fund for UK heritage organisations affected by the pandemic. Similarly, Arts Council England have made £160 million available for organisations and individuals in the cultural sector that have been impacted.
On 21 May 2020, Lord Cormack (Conservative) is due to ask Her Majesty’s Government “what steps they are taking to support (1) museums, (2) galleries, and (3) historic buildings open to the public, affected by the restrictions in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic”.
Coronavirus: Museums, Galleries and Historic Buildings (226 KB, PDF)
In 2020, following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the House of Lords made several changes to the way it conducted its business. This included the use of virtual proceedings and sittings which featured both physical and remote participation. This briefing looks at the impact of those changes on member participation over the course of 2020.
A number of elections are due to be held across Great Britain on 6 May 2021. This includes local council elections, mayoral elections and elections to the Scottish and Welsh parliaments. In light of concerns about whether these elections can go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Government recently published guidance on how they can be run safely and securely.
As part of measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus, many retail outlets were closed for long periods during 2020. In conjunction with changes in consumer behaviour resulting from reduced socialising and travel, this had a big impact on the global fashion industry. There are concerns about job losses in clothing stores and in the supply chain as a result of these changes. But ahead of London fashion week this month, people are also asking if this is an opportunity for the fashion industry to make permanent changes to how it operates, for the good of both people and the planet.
