Shadow Tourism Minister, Dan Jarvis MP has responded to the news that John Penrose has stepped down at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and will not be replaced.

“The decision to not replace the outgoing Tourism Minister and downsize the Department for Culture, Media and Sport before the Paralympic Games are even finished demonstrates all we need to know about the Government’s real commitment to ensuring the Olympics are a catalyst for UK tourism.

“This summer’s games have demonstrated that Britain is renowned throughout the world for our heritage, leisure and culture. Instead of building on this, the Government has proved once again that it is out of touch and is placing the Olympic tourism legacy in jeopardy.

“With a new Secretary of State and a reduced ministerial team, there is now understandable concern that tourism’s voice will carry a lot less influence at the Cabinet table.”