Torbay MP's zoo invitation for the Prime Minister

PM urged to see tourism industry's plight for himself

The prime minister has been invited to visit Paignton Zoo to see for himself the challenges faced by Devon’s tourism industry.

Torbay Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling issued the invitation as he highlighted the problem created by Labour’s hike in National Insurance contributions for employers. Tourism businesses say the changes will cost them dearly.

Mr Darling asked the first of today’s Prime Minister’s Questions. He said: “After a cost of living crisis overseen by the previous chaotic Conservative government, many in the tourism industry in Torbay believed they had weathered the storm.

“However, with the government’s National Insurance hikes and effective jobs tax, many fear that this could be the last nail in the coffin for some of those businesses.”

In light of this, he asked, would prime minister Sir Keir Starmer join him this summer for a tour of the ‘outstanding and amazing’ Paignton Zoo? He said it was one of many tourist attractions across the west country being impacted by the ‘jobs tax’.

His invitation caused political editor Chris Mason to write ‘Well, I didn’t see that coming’ on the BBC’s live blog.

The prime minister began his answer by wishing Mr Darling’s guide dog Jennie a happy sixth birthday, and pointing out that the snoozing pet was showing little interest in his response.

He said he recognised the importance of the tourist trade, having visited Torbay many times as well as having worked in the bay for a while.

He said the government’s new Visitor Economy Advisory Council would work with businesses to deliver a new strategy.

But Sir Kier didn't respond to Mr Darling’s invitation to spend a day at the zoo.