Jamie Oliver: Labour is extinguishing the spark that powers our brilliant food scene

The UK applies a whopping 20 per cent VAT to hospitality, one of the highest rates in Europe, while Ireland, from July, will operate at nine per cent for food-led hospitality — a cut from the current rate of 13.5 per cent. That gap alone shows how much harder it is for UK restaurants to invest, grow and create jobs. My plea is simple: give the industry room to breathe. The London Standard is right to demand urgent VAT reform to bring us in line with our European neighbours; a business rates overhaul that values physical community spaces and a bonfire of red tape so small businesses can actually flourish.