Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jonathan Reynolds and Mike Wood

Thursday 13th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Jonathan Reynolds]

There are many Members called Chris.

I thank my hon. Friend for his question. As he will know, the creative industries are part of our industrial strategy. We are hugely proud of their soft power and economic impact, and of course we will get him the meeting he requests.

[Mike Wood (Kingswinford and South Staffordshire) (Con)]

T3.   I draw the House’s attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Some 66% of hospitality firms say they will have to cut staff or staff hours, 75% say they will cut investment, and 97% say they will increase prices because of the Chancellor’s manifesto-breaking national insurance increases. What assessment has the Minister made of the number of workers being dragged into national insurance contributions for the first time, and if the Government must continue with this disastrous policy, will they at least delay it for 12 months to bring it into line with the introduction of business rates reforms?