Higher Earners: Emigration Debate

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Department: HM Treasury
Thursday 21st May 2026

(2 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Livermore Portrait Lord Livermore (Lab)
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I am happy to say that that is probably not a matter for me.

Baroness Deech Portrait Baroness Deech (CB)
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My Lords, is not the problem that the people who are fairly paying their tax feel that they unfairly have to support a vast number—maybe just as many—who are living on welfare and benefits, and that the people who work hard have to support those who do not? I sense a growing feeling of unfairness.

Lord Livermore Portrait Lord Livermore (Lab)
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I 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. It is quite right that the state should help them to do so.