Eat Out to Help Out.

This will apply to 13 days in August and as someone has already said some restaurants do not open on a Monday which could leave 8 days to eat out!

But what can the UK manufacture that can't be manufactured elsewhere more cheaply - and then imported, even with tariffs?

The country needs some strategic vision (not tinkering around with vouchers). The country's strength lie in pharmaceuticals, IT and the knowledge economy. We could invest in energy saving projects. We're already losing financial services.

We need massive investment in the right kind of education and training, which probably won't show any results for years. We're heading for an economy with a handful of owners/rentiers and armies of low paid service workers - back to the nineteenth century. I think we're in an even worse situation than then because we no longer have an empire to sustain us and we've cut ourselves off from our biggest market.

“This is the most socialist government in terms of spending“

grandad they had absolutely no choice.

Imo nothing to do with socialism but everything to do with expediency and minimal at that.

No “new deal” this.

growstuff

But what can the UK manufacture that can't be manufactured elsewhere more cheaply - and then imported, even with tariffs?

The country needs some strategic vision (not tinkering around with vouchers). The country's strength lie in pharmaceuticals, IT and the knowledge economy. We could invest in energy saving projects. We're already losing financial services.

We need massive investment in the right kind of education and training, which probably won't show any results for years. We're heading for an economy with a handful of owners/rentiers and armies of low paid service workers - back to the nineteenth century. I think we're in an even worse situation than then because we no longer have an empire to sustain us and we've cut ourselves off from our biggest market.

It’s like a communal death wish.

I am, to coin that well known phrase.

Bewildered.

I'm not interested. There are some risks (work, essentials shopping) I have to take. I'm not adding to them unnecessarily. Particularly when so many idiots refuse to wear masks.

There’s a lovely little Bistro just around the corner from us, which we often visited prior to lockdown, but when we walked past it on Saturday it was heaving. No social distancing at all.

A few pounds off isn’t tempting.

Obviously, there's no point in doing anything at all to help. I don't know why the government bothers as everything they do is absolutely useless if not actually abusive and downright dangerous.
Note : irony alert.

Jane10

Obviously, there's no point in doing anything at all to help. I don't know why the government bothers as everything they do is absolutely useless if not actually abusive and downright dangerous.
Note : irony alert.

jane I think if you read the post carefully you will be pleased to see that those apparently critical of the summer budget agree with Sunak thrust.

But I would like to have seem more ambition and imagination.

It was billed as a New Deal, which of course has turned out not to be true and therefore disappointing.

Jane10 ..... first chuckle of the day.

Grandad1943 yes, in terms of spending it is the most socialist government.It had no choice .....it has to do it but some good will come out of this year I think.I was pleased with Sunak yesterday,I think he will be an excellent Chancellor and even in the future an excellent PM.

Jane10 ?

Negativity in abundance here from some.

I hope it’s successful. If the small discount tempts enough people out they may realise (as we did with our two restaurant visits recently) that places are doing their utmost to keep customers and staff safe.

It’s all about building customer confidence isn’t it?

But no, lets all concentrate on rubbishing the idea shall we ?

There are members of this forum who would obviously rather still engage on tribal politics rather than consider what THEY can carry out in line with the government efforts and in support of the working population of Britain.

I very much hope it will prove a lifeline for the smaller possibly family run restaurants and pubs - thinking of some of our local country pubs which are owned by local residents or possibly the many little eateries in the towns and cities. Emphatically NOT the likes of Wetherspoons - although their staff need jobs too but have been treated appallingly.
The Hospitality industry is one of the few we have left.

I think after yesterday’s debacle that it would be much better to address the poster and the post content rather than make veiled remarks which do not make clear who you are talking about.

With heading for 60,000 dead, I think it is entirely rational not to trust what the government says is safe.

No politics at all. Self preservation. Unless wanting to stay alive is regarded as selfish now.

Whitewavemark2

I think after yesterday’s debacle that it would be much better to address the poster and the post content rather than make veiled remarks which do not make clear who you are talking about.

Yes WW this is good advice. And rather that decry those who feel it is neither wise nor safe to venture into a crowded hostelry, perhaps try to understand why.

I'll wait until I see the covid figures for August before I decide anything, just at the moment with over 100 deaths every day it doesn't look good though.

GagaJo

With heading for 60,000 dead, I think it is entirely rational not to trust what the government says is safe.

No politics at all. Self preservation. Unless wanting to stay alive is regarded as selfish now.

In the economic situation that Britain and many other countries are facing, self-preservation will rely very much on the preservation of millions of jobs in industries that at present are under huge threat.

What many seem not to realise that even where they have private pensions etc the money that pays those pensions is invested in many private sectors of the world economy that are now under severe threat.

This situation affects all without exception.

We have a table booked for Friday evening with the restaurant of choice doing everything they should to be as safe as possible. I will e taking extra precautions such as hand sanitiser and wipes but after 4 months am really looking forward to going out somewhere other than the supermarket.

On a separate note getting my hair cut today - yaaaaaaaay.

This horrible virus could be with is for years so we have to get to a new normal as best we can.

It's a hard balance, I completely understand both points of view, I miss eating out and possibly I would contemplate it where the seating arrangements were outside and well spaced. I hate to think of any business going to the wall, when I drive down my local high street we've quite a few independent cafes, how hard it is to start a small business, I would really like to support them.

And that sums the situation up very well TerriBull. Our town thrives on tourism and it’s student population, and small independent shops, cafes and bistros are everywhere. No one wants those businesses to fail.

Yes we will. Table booked for tomorrow evening but of course will be following all the guidelines and as an extra precaution will take my ow hand sanitiser and wipes. This virus could be with us for years and getting back to as near normal as possible is essential for all our well being as well as supporting businesses.

Well I shall be taking advantage of the offer £10 per person off the price of your meal. Perhaps it is a gimmick but I think Rishi Sunak is doing a fabulous job doing everything possible to help get the country back on its feet. I'm glad to be out and about again and spending to help the economy.

I'm afraid I won't be tempted. We don't eat out much anyway.

All the pubs and restaurants in our area are taking every measure to keep us safe. I have no qualms about visiting them and look forward to helping them out via this scheme. Indeed we have helped them keep their heads above water throughout lockdown by regularly buying takeaway and food deliveries from them.

We have all got used to living in our own little cocoons for the last few months and now it is time to venture out again. Safely of course. This is a way of encouraging us to do so and helping us to realise that it will actually be ok.

I applaud the government for this initiative and wish people would stop playing politics and moaning about everything they do. It is so negative and petty.

I am just thankful that Rishi Sunak is the Chancellor - he comes across as very intelligent and pragmatic (not wedded to idiology); in stark contrast to the absolute shower that comprises the rest of our so-called government (and don't get me started on Bojo). It's a gimmick, but hopefully it will at least start the conversation (as it has done here).