The new president of Cumbria Tourism has made challenging the Government’s post-Brexit immigration policy his top priority.

Eric Robson – who took on the honorary role in June – said he will lobby political and media contacts regionally and nationally on an issue which business fear could hit Cumbria’s £3 billion tourism industry hard.

Under current Government proposals, migrants workers from the European Union will need to earn more than £30,000 to stay in the UK longer term.

And while it is understood to be considering lowering the wage threshold to £22,500 it is still way above the average wage in hospitality for the region, which stands at £17,000.

The policy is already high on the agenda for tourism business in the county, with many struggling to recruit already given the region’s low levels of unemployment.

And Cumbria Tourism’s most recent Business Performance Survey yet again highlighted the issue, with the majority of respondents believing the wage cap will not just damage the sector but destabilise the county’s economy as a whole.

“Critical discussions regarding access to labour, recruitment and skills are at the forefront of my mind, particularly in light of the ongoing machinations around Brexit,” said Mr Robson.

“I am deeply concerned by Government recommendations that appear to make it harder for ‘low skill’ EU nationals to enter and support our tourism sector.

“European workers are an important asset in Cumbria and there is widespread anxiety about the impact this will have on tourism businesses which are already facing challenges around rising overhead costs and ever-changing consumer habits around the way people spend their money.”

Cumbria’s tourism and hospitality sector supports around 65,000 jobs – with around a third carried out by non-UK workers.

The issue of labour supply, recruitment and skills is at the top of the agenda for Mr Robson after the renowned broadcaster and author took on the role held by Lord Inglewood for 15 years.

Also high on the priority list is tackling issues with transport and infrastructure, both to and within the county.

“I want to ensure we keep up the pressure on rail companies to deliver reliable, consistent services,” he added.

“Upping their game on the Cumbrian Coast Line is also a must.

“I am also firmly behind Cumbria Tourism’s efforts to work with Barrow Port to bring more smaller expedition cruise ships to the county.”

Mr Robson said he is will also back plans to re-open the Carlisle-Waverley Viaduct as a walking and cycling route which links both sides of the River Eden in Carlisle.

And he will also push for the C2C route to be upgraded to a National Trail – long distance footpaths and bridleways that are administered by the Government agency, Natural England.