Oral Answers to Questions

Charlie Dewhirst Excerpts

Wednesday 4th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call the shadow Minister.

[Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con)]

The Welsh defence industry supports 20,000 jobs and is absolutely vital to the national security of the United Kingdom, yet defence firms face growing uncertainty over the UK Government’s failure to set out a detailed plan to meet the 3% of GDP target on defence spending and Plaid Cymru’s proposed defence ethical investment framework in Wales, which are both creating serious concern for businesses looking to invest, expand and protect jobs. Therefore, what discussions has the Minister had with defence companies about these concerns, and what is she doing to give the industry the certainty it desperately needs?

Oral Answers to Questions

Charlie Dewhirst Excerpts

Wednesday 29th January 2025 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con)]

1. Whether she has had discussions with the Welsh Government on the potential impact of the proposed visitor levy on the economy in Wales.

[Blake Stephenson (Mid Bedfordshire) (Con)]

10. Whether she has had discussions with the Welsh Government on the potential impact of the proposed visitor levy on the economy in Wales.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)]

Ahead of the opening game of this year’s Six Nations in Paris on Friday evening, I know Members right across the House will want to join me in wishing the Wales team good luck in their campaign.

Wales has joined a long list of other countries that have introduced a visitor levy, including Germany, Spain and France. The Welsh Government’s Bill will enable local authorities to decide whether to implement a small levy locally. The money raised will be used to invest in Wales’s thriving tourist sector, and develop and maintain attractions for residents and visitors alike.

[Charlie Dewhirst]

Hospitality businesses in my constituency of Bridlington and The Wolds are rightly concerned about Labour’s plans for a tourist tax in Wales, so will the Secretary of State confirm to the House today whether it is her Government’s policy to roll out such a tax across the United Kingdom?

[Jo Stevens]

As the hon. Member may know, tourism is devolved, and we work closely with the devolved Governments. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport—my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for that Department is here—will carefully monitor the proposal by the Welsh Government. There are currently no plans to introduce a similar tax in England.