A group of cross-party MPs and peers have today come together to establish an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the UK’s Night Time Economy.
The group, which is chaired by Jeff Smith – Labour MP for Manchester Withington – will provide a key voice for the sector in parliament to address the immediate “COVID-induced crisis” it is facing and future challenges is likely to come up against.
The move comes as the sector and its supply chains are at risk of collapse due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, combined with “insufficient sector specific financial support from government”.
The group states that it believes the current crisis is an “existential threat” to the Night Time Industry sector.
The sector has “borne the brunt of COVID-restrictions” with many businesses having been ordered to remain closed since March, and there has also been widespread concern across the sector that it has been particularly under-represented politically, and undervalued both culturally and economically in government, with many misconceptions around business models and market segmentation.
ADVERTISEMENT
In a positive step for the sector, the inaugural meeting of the APPG took place this morning.
APPG Night Time Economy Chaired by @JeffsmithMP took place this morning with some great insight and discussion around the current challenges within the NTE. Looking forward to working with the group to give the sector a stronger voice! #savenightlife#APPGnightlifepic.twitter.com/lpkeubIrFV
The meeting marks the recognition of the specific challenges facing night time businesses, and sets a new dialogue between the sector and parliamentarians across the political spectrum.
ADVERTISEMENT
The new APPG will be supported by the Night Time Industries Association.
The NTIA will seek to provide industry insight and secretariat services to the group going forward.
Speaking on the inaugural meeting this morning, Jeff Smith MP – Chair of the new APPG – said: “The night time sector is hugely important to both the UK economy and our cultural identity – particularly in Greater Manchester, where have a proud tradition of music, arts and entertainment, and where music tourism alone generated £169 million for our local economy pre-pandemic.
ADVERTISEMENT
“In the past nine months, the sector has faced enormous challenges, and thousands of bars, nightclubs, and live events businesses are at risk of collapse.
“As a former and event manager and DJ, I feel strongly about the importance of these businesses, so I am pleased to be chairing the new cross-party group to support night-time industries [and] we will be working hard to ensure that this usually viable, thriving and world-leading sector can not only survive the Covid crisis, but prepare for a prosperous, long-term recovery.”
Warehouse Project
Michael Kill – CEO of NTIA – added: “It is vitally important that the Night Time Economy has its own voice, and alongside businesses, associations and participating parliamentarians, we welcome the All Party Parliamentary Group to further support and clarify the challenges around the industry, and help recognise its cultural and economic value both within the UK and internationally.”
“We are extremely pleased to have the support of many cross-party parliamentarians, and believe that this group will have a substantial part to play in the regeneration of the night time economy in the next 12 months.”
You can find more information via the NTIA website here.
Police appeal for witnesses after motorcyclist dies in fatal M60 crash near Salford
Emily Sergeant
Police are appealing to the public for witnesses and footage after a crash on the M60 claimed the life of a motorcyclist.
The appeal comes after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to reports of a road traffic collision between three cars and a motorbike between junctions 15 and 16 on the M60 on the clockwise carriageway, near Salford, at around 6.15pm this past Sunday (12 October 2025).
When officers arrived on the scene, they found that the rider of the motorbike, a man in his 60s, had sadly died after suffering fatal injuries.
The incident led to a partial closure of the M60, with the motorway needing to be shut for several hours after the collision.
Two of the three drivers involved in the fatal incident have now been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Traffic is being held on the #M60 clockwise between J15 (#M61) and J16 (#Kearsley) due to a serious collision involving a car and motorbike.@gmpolice@NWAmbulance on scene.
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) October 12, 2025
With the arrests made and the police investigation ongoing and proceeding at pace, GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.
They are also keen to speak to anyone who may dashcam footage from the area in the moments leading up to the crash.
Anyone with any information or footage from the incident is urged to contact GMP on 0161 856 4741, quoting log 2294 of 12/10/2025, or they can head online to use to ‘report’ tool or LiveChat function on GMP’s website – www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Roboflow Universe
News
Manchester Remembers Foundation announces its return for a special anniversary charity match
Danny Jones
The Manchester Remembers Foundation has announced the return of its charity football game in 2027, which will coincide with a special anniversary close to all Mancunians.
For those unaware, the MCR Remembers charity matches were set up in memory of the Manchester Arena victims, helping raise funds for the families of the 22 who sadly died in the attack.
While the fifth iteration of what started out as an annual vision, set for this past summer, was sadly cancelled back in May and the Foundation itself seemingly shut down, the co-founders have decided they’re not ready for it all to end just yet.
Somewhat quietly confirming the return of the fundraising footy match on social media, the next fixture will be returning next year, which marks a full decade since the tragedy.
Folks, having time to reflect we’ve decided that we just couldn’t go out like we did. No matter how difficult things get we have to keep going.
We are planning a spectacular return for the 10th anniversary in 2027. Plans and talks to begin shortly pic.twitter.com/ZRTmAJalov
— The McrRemembers Foundation™️⚽️🐝 (@McrRemembers) October 2, 2025
Writing a slightly lengthier statement on Instagram, MCR Remembers creators Aaron Lee and Paul Corrigan said: “No matter how difficult things get and how little support we get from people in positions to help, we have to keep going.
“We take inspiration from the brave and courageous people who were so closely involved with the arena attack. We will continue to remember those affected and celebrate their legacy.
“We are planning a spectacular return for the 10th anniversary in 2027. Plans and talks to begin shortly We will reassess after that event. As always, thank you to those that stuck by us. We see you, and we appreciate every single one of you. Stay tuned. Aaron / Paul.”
Lee – a local and a former police officer on 22 May 2017 – set up the organisation with his friend and fellow fundraiser (10 marathons in 10 months) with the aim of not only honouring those lost but also to help raise vital funds for their families and native bereavement charities.
They’re two incredibly inspiring individuals who have done a lot to help those in and around Greater Manchester, as well as keep that date in our heads and hearts.
Although information is still scarce in these early stages, The MCR Remembers Foundation has assured that details regarding exactly when and where the game is set to take place will be shared over the coming week and months.
It goes without saying that we here at The Manc are glad to see the moving charity match being confirmed for a comeback, even if it’s only for a one-off, and can’t wait to see which ex-pros and celebrity players get involved.
Then again, who knows? A successful return could signal the start of a fully-fledged revival, and we sincerely hope it does.
Watch this space and see you next year for the anniversary edition of Manchester Remembers 2027.
The Manc -
9th December 2020 
