Business Rates: Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Business Rates: Retail, Hospitality and Leisure

Mark Pritchard Excerpts
Monday 19th January 2026

(1 day, 13 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Dan Tomlinson Portrait Dan Tomlinson
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I thank my hon. Friend for his engagement on this important issue, and for the work that he does on the all-party parliamentary group for hospitality and tourism. Yes, the Government will continue to engage with sector bodies such as UKHospitality on this and other matters that are important for the hospitality industry.

Mark Pritchard Portrait Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con)
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The Minister does not have to defect to Reform to get a pint, and I am very happy to show him round the pubs in Shropshire’s villages and market towns. I will show him that pubs are not just about having non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks; they are often at the very heart of village communities. Local charities, the women’s institute, pensioner groups and others meet there because the post office or the shop has closed. May I genuinely invite the Minister to get out of London—out of the beltway and out of the bubble—and come to Shropshire? He will not be allowed inside pubs, of course, but I can bring him a pint outside when the warmer weather comes. I appeal to him to join me in Shropshire and hear at first hand what pub landlords and owners have to say.

Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
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We’re at last orders. Come on, Minister.