Contributions
1,533 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDMiddle East: Economic ResponseThe noble Baroness knows that we have introduced a temporary cut in the rate of VAT on summer attractions, from 20% to 5%. Over the summer holidays, from 25 June to 1 September,…01 Jun 2026HANSARDMiddle East: Economic ResponseI do not personally remember 1945, although I have read about it. The noble Lord is absolutely right on the importance of international institutions. The G7 has been a very…01 Jun 2026HANSARDMiddle East: Economic ResponseJust to be clear, I said that oil and gas production in the North Sea is an important and valuable resource, and I support its continued use. I did not comment on Jackdaw and…01 Jun 2026HANSARDMiddle East: Economic ResponseI find myself having the unusual experience of agreeing with the noble Baroness. Bus use is incredibly important. It is highest among lower-income households for trips outside of…01 Jun 2026HANSARDHigher Earners: EmigrationAs I have already said, there is no reliable data to back up the noble Lord’s claims. The reliable data will be available in January 2027, when the self-assessment returns are…21 May 2026HANSARDHigher Earners: EmigrationA working person is someone who goes out to work.21 May 2026HANSARDHigher Earners: EmigrationI would just point out to the noble Baroness that the vast majority of people on benefits, as she puts it, are also in work—working hard every day to provide for their families.…21 May 2026HANSARDHigher Earners: EmigrationAs the noble Lord says, the data is not available, so I am not sure that he can make the conclusions that he seeks to make. The data will not be available until we have the…21 May 2026HANSARDHigher Earners: EmigrationI am happy to say that that is probably not a matter for me.21 May 2026HANSARDHigher Earners: EmigrationMy Lords, not all taxpayers are required to notify HMRC when they leave the country. As such, the Government do not hold comprehensive data on the number of individuals leaving…21 May 2026HANSARDHigher Earners: EmigrationI am aware of the points that my noble friend makes and agree with much of what she says. As I say, successful businesses and entrepreneurs who create jobs here and wealth in the…21 May 2026HANSARDHigher Earners: EmigrationThis Government have been very clear that we will close down any tax loopholes that we can while ensuring that the tax regime remains highly competitive. That is exactly what we…21 May 2026HANSARDHigher Earners: EmigrationI absolutely understand the points that the noble Lord is making but am not sure that it is for me to speak on behalf of any other party. I just point to my noble friend’s remarks…21 May 2026HANSARDHigher Earners: EmigrationThe noble Lord says that £100,000 is not very much money. He may like to know that average earnings are around £33,000, which is well below the higher-rate threshold, and around…21 May 2026HANSARDHigher Earners: EmigrationThe new residents-based regime is more competitive for new arrivals than the previous rules. It is more attractive than the previous approach. They can bring their foreign income…21 May 2026HANSARDHigher Earners: EmigrationWe must ensure that the wealthiest pay their fair share of tax towards the public finances. Equally, successful businesses and entrepreneurs who create jobs and wealth are the…21 May 2026HANSARDHigher Earners: EmigrationNo, and I do not think the noble Baroness can make those claims based on the data that is available, as I have already said. The previous Government’s reforms assumed that there…21 May 2026HANSARDSupermarkets: Voluntary Price CapsThe noble Lord asks me to reconsider an extreme idea that we are not considering, so I think we should be okay on that point. The times he talked about were very different. I do…20 May 2026HANSARDSupermarkets: Voluntary Price CapsThe end of the noble Baroness’s question is preposterous. This is not about price caps, as some speculation has suggested. As I said yesterday, we would never advocate for that,…20 May 2026HANSARDSupermarkets: Voluntary Price CapsThat may be subject to UK internal market and single market regulations. I am happy to check and confirm that to the noble Lord. As I have said, this is not about price caps, as…20 May 2026