Former transport minister Huw Merriman has urged Aito members not to “give up on government”.
The former MP for Bexhill and Battle, who was transport minister from 2022 to 2024, told tour operators and travel agents to build close ties with their MPs now to help the sector in the future.
Speaking at the Aito Overseas Conference in Valladolid, Spain, he said: “There is a new breed of politicians [in place]; don’t give up on them. Don’t give up on government. If you do, you have no control. Build your relationships in times when you don’t need them so you will have them when you do need them.”
Merriman suggested members invite their local MP to meet them and learn about their business to become “friends” and gain their support.
He was confident the industry could increase the amount of support and understanding it enjoys within government if a large portion of the membership started to work more closely with their MPs.
“You then have their core support,” he said, advising: “Then set up an All-Party Parliamentary Group. There is one in hospitality but there isn’t one for tour operators or travel agents.”
APPGs are informal cross-party groups with no official status within parliament. They are run by and for members of the House of the Commons and House of Lords but many involve individuals and organisations from outside parliament in their administration and activities.
Merriman noted that MPs could submit written questions to parliament and represent their constituents in subsequent debates.
“You then have MPs who understand you. If ever there is another pandemic it means you have got the relationship in place. It’s worth the time.”
He added: “I believe most MPs are in it for their constituents, not themselves. Make them work for you otherwise they have an easy ride.”