Oral Answers to Questions

Gordon Henderson Excerpts

Tuesday 25th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Jane Ellison]

The UK is committed to ensuring that UK companies pay a fair share of tax in the countries in which they operate. On all the wider aspects of international tax fairness, I reiterate that the UK has taken a very strong stance across the board on a number of issues. I am always happy to speak to my hon. Friend about this issue because he is very much an expert, and I would welcome his views on all such issues.

[Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con)]

3. What fiscal steps he is taking to support the manufacturing industry.

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

The Government have taken steps to maintain a world-class business environment that helps UK manufacturers to thrive. That is why we have cut corporation tax from 28% to 20%— it will fall further, to 17%—and why we have supported £22 billion of research and development through tax credits for UK companies. This environment helps our manufacturers to grow as innovative, competitive companies.

[Gordon Henderson]

I welcome the Minister’s response, but what message is he sending to international manufacturing companies with operations in Britain about this country’s future international competitiveness as we leave the European Union?

[Mr Gauke]

Our message is straightforward: Britain is open for business. As the Prime Minister has said, we are and will continue to be a confident, outward-looking country.