The British government on Thursday unveiled a plan to insure festivals, performances and other events open to the public against the risk of cancellation in the event of new health restrictions.
This program in partnership with British insurer Lloyd's, amounting to 750 million pounds sterling (883 million euros), "
will cover the costs incurred in the event of cancellation due to the legal impossibility of organizing the event due to government Covid restrictions
, ”the finance ministry said.
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In this program, the State will play the role of "
reinsurer
", that is to say, it will intervene "
by offering a guarantee to ensure that insurers can offer the products which companies in the event need,
”says the ministry.
The new epidemic wave that hit the United Kingdom at the beginning of the summer prompted some festivals to give up being held this year, dampening hopes of recovery in the cultural sector, heavily affected by the pandemic.
“
We have some of the best events in the world here in the UK, from world famous festivals to the local funfair
,
”
said Finance Minister Rishi Sunak, noting that with this program, concerts as well as professional events could come together. organize "
with confidence
".
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The sector contributes over £ 70 billion a year to the UK economy and over 700,000 jobs, including small businesses and self-employed people.
Hard hit, the music and festivals industry welcomed the announcement, which UK Music Managing Director Jamie Njoku-Goodwin said is
"excellent news".
In addition, fearing a slowdown in vaccination among young people, the nightlife will be called upon by the government to encourage this segment of the population to be vaccinated. Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently announced that being fully vaccinated would be required from the end of September to enter a nightclub or attend events with large audiences.