Oral Answers to Questions

John Lamont Excerpts

Tuesday 8th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[James Murray]

I congratulate the organisation in my hon. Friend’s constituency for successfully fundraising for two defibrillators. As she knows, decisions on fiscal matters are taken at the Budget. She makes a powerful case, but we have to evaluate whether VAT reliefs are passed on in full to consumers. That is one of the key considerations when taking decisions of this sort.

[John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con)]

T9. Nearly 100,000 hospitality jobs have disappeared in two years. Pubs, hotels and restaurants across the Scottish Borders are struggling with higher employment costs. When will the Labour Government cut their tax on jobs?

[James Murray]

We are providing a 20% cut in business rates for pubs in England. I urge the Scottish Government to do the same for Scottish pubs.