She was speaking following an announcement from the UK Government that pubs and music venues in England will be given a 15% discount on their business rates bills from April and will not see further increases for two years.

Ms Eastwood has said: “While today’s announcement for pubs in England recognises the pressures facing the sector and will be welcome to many, it does not go far enough and leaves far too many hospitality businesses right across the UK behind.

“Limited relief on business rates will not address the scale of the challenge. Our hospitality businesses, including hotels and restaurants as well, are the beating hearts of our towns and villages, and many are hanging on by a thread. I have consistently argued for wider, more decisive action that would make a real difference across the sector, such as a VAT cut for hospitality.

“Any support announced must translate into real funding for Northern Ireland, giving us the ability to properly support our incredible hospitality sector. I will now be pressing the government to confirm how much this package will deliver in terms of Barnett consequentials for Northern Ireland.

“We’ve tragically lost far too many local pubs, cafés and restaurants in recent years, and we cannot afford to lose any more. The government must be ambitious, support more businesses, and ensure Northern Ireland gets its fair share.”