Oral Answers to Questions

Emma Lewell-Buck Excerpts

Tuesday 21st January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Jonathan Davies (Mid Derbyshire) (Lab)]

16. What steps she has taken to help increase economic growth in Derbyshire.

[Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab)]

21. What steps she has taken to help increase economic growth in the north-east.

[Alison Hume (Scarborough and Whitby) (Lab)]

23. What steps she has taken to help increase economic growth in North Yorkshire.

--- Later in debate ---

[Rachel Reeves]

The Culture Secretary was pleased that the creative industries were one of the sectors included in our industrial strategy. She hosted an event with members of the creative industries taskforce in Newcastle just last week to emphasise the importance of having good cultural offers and art and museums in local communities. I am happy to sort out a meeting for my hon. Friend with the relevant Minister to discuss access to the arts and culture in Mid Derbyshire.

[Mrs Lewell-Buck]

As my right hon. Friend knows, South Shields is a gorgeous coastal tourist town. We pride ourselves on our small businesses and our strong hospitality industry, but she will also know they are struggling after years of neglect by the Conservatives. To help those businesses, will she outline what consideration she has given to reducing VAT on our hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors?