Starmer confirmed he was stepping down from the role in an emotional address to the nation, paving the way for a new prime minister to be appointed. Former mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham, who triumphed in the Makerfield by-election last week, has long been considered the next prime minister in waiting.
Reacting to Starmer’s decision, Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Once the new government is in place, we shall continue to engage on the immediate issues that matter to our members.
“The impact on our sector of the prime minister’s resignation goes beyond who’s in 10 Downing Street; the next leader will in all likelihood bring with them new Secretaries of State, ministers and political advisors, all of whom Abta will engage with.
“We have strong relationships across government departments including Business and Trade, Transport, the Treasury, the FCDO and, of course, with the tourism minister.”
Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said, speaking on behalf of the UK Outbound Travel Group, which represents more than 1,300 travel businesses, said the priority now “must be stability and economic confidence”. “At a time when businesses are already navigating significant geopolitical and economic uncertainty, the country needs a smooth transition and a clear focus on growth,” she added.
“The travel sector supports tens of thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to the UK economy. The businesses we represent, many of them SMEs, need policy certainty and a clear economic strategy that enables them to invest, grow and create jobs.
“The UK Outbound Travel Group looks forward to continuing to work constructively with ministers and government officials, to ensure outbound travel remains recognised as a vital contributor to economic growth and prosperity across the UK."
