Forthcoming Fiscal Changes

Debate between Lord Livermore and Lord Pannick

Tuesday 25th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

As I have said already, I am not going to comment on individual measures ahead of the Budget.

[Lord Pannick (CB)]

Can I ask the Minister a question of facts and not speculation? Will he confirm that Ministers and officials have been floating possible Budget proposals over the last few weeks?

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

As the noble Lord well knows, I am not going to comment on the ongoing Budget process, which will conclude tomorrow when the Chancellor delivers the Budget.

National Insurance: Partnerships

Debate between Lord Livermore and Lord Pannick

Monday 10th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

My reason is very simple: I am not going to speculate on the next Budget now. I am, of course, grateful for my noble friend’s expertise in these matters.

[Lord Pannick (CB)]

My Lords, will the Minister accept that it not speculation but fact that the legal services sector brought in exports worth £9.5 billion last year? Will he also accept that it is fact, not speculation, that to increase the tax burden would inevitably damage the ability of law firms to attract cases such as international arbitration and dispute resolution from abroad when we are in competition with Singapore, Dubai and other litigation centres?

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

I certainly agree with the first fact that the noble Lord set out, and I am happy to do so. On his second fact, that is inviting me to speculate, which I think I have made clear I am not going to do.