Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Dan Tomlinson and Freddie van Mierlo

Tuesday 10th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dan Tomlinson]

This is a complex change to implement, but the Government’s position is that it is right to have the same rate of VAT across our country. During the pandemic, there was a cut—a temporary cut—to the rate of VAT and that came at the significant cost of £8 billion. We have to make sure that we can raise revenue from across the country in a fair and consistent way to support the public finances.

[Freddie van Mierlo (Henley and Thame) (LD)]

11. What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the autumn Budget 2025 on levels of youth unemployment.

Business Rates

Debate between Dan Tomlinson and Freddie van Mierlo

Tuesday 27th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dan Tomlinson]

Very much so. We want to support legendary landlords. I have my own in my constituency, and I look forward to having a pint with them this weekend to discuss the changes that the Government have made.

[Freddie van Mierlo (Henley and Thame) (LD)]

When it comes to business rates, the Government have delivered a masterclass in giving with one hand and taking with the other, leaving pubs and hospitality businesses worse off, but businesses cannot be fooled. They are on top of their numbers, even if the Government are not. Will the Government consider again the Liberal Democrat proposal for an emergency 5% cut in VAT for hospitality, and can he give an answer that does not resort to political point scoring?

[Dan Tomlinson]

We will not be considering the Liberal Democrats’ policy.