Finance Bill

Debate between Gavin Shuker and Lord Beamish

Tuesday 6th July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Shuker]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. In conclusion—

[Mr Kevan Jones]

Will my hon. Friend give way?

[Gavin Shuker]

Of course.

[Mr Jones]

One of the economic drivers in Luton is the success story of Luton airport. Does my hon. Friend agree with me that the Budget’s proposals to increase insurance premium tax from 17.5% to 20% is going to have a terrible effect on that success story, as Luton airport employs huge numbers of people in his constituency?

[Gavin Shuker]

I thank my hon. Friend for his characteristically timely intervention, rightly making the case that within these green pages tonight are a series of measures that will have a profound effect on each individual constituency. In Luton South, I could pick out the particular effect on the airport and I could talk more about our position within the UK. In each community and in each constituency, we will have to go back to our constituents and explain why we voted either for or against the measures in the Bill. I for one will vote against the Bill, and I would like to encourage Government Members from the east of England to do so as well. If they do, they can go back to their constituents with their heads held high and say that they stood up for their constituents and their region on a night like tonight.