Taxes 2025-07-15

The Government's decision to raise National Insurance contributions and increase Council Tax is seen as a breach of Labour’s manifesto. The move will cost the average working family £3,500 in lower wages annually. Also criticises the winter fuel payment U-turn which denied payments to 80% of pensioners below poverty line.

Questions whether a small business owner is considered a working person by Labour, supporting the position that taxes harm business growth.

Agrees with Stride's argument that the Government is failing to take tough decisions on controlling public finances and welfare costs, leading to a higher tax burden compared to when Conservatives were in power.

Defends Labour's policies despite criticism from Stride, questioning the effectiveness of Conservative economic policy under their government.

Suggests that the current Government is in chaos, with hard-left members now running the country without concern for fiscal responsibility or debt management.

Questions the size of the black hole inherited from the previous government compared to Stride's £6 billion figure, defending Labour’s fiscal responsibility.

Critiques the Government for initially elevating the OBR but now dismissing its findings, indicating a lack of transparency and accountability.

Challenges Stride's claim to economic competence given his party’s history, highlighting their cabinet members’ limited business experience compared to Conservatives.

Asks the shadow Chancellor to address which of the 25 tax increases implemented in the last Parliament he regrets or would undo.

Supports Sir Mel Stride's argument, stating that without a prudent financial position, the government is now spending £10 billion more per year on debt servicing than at the time of the general election.

Questions Sir Mel Stride about the national debt inherited from the previous Labour Government in 2010 compared to what was inherited last year. Challenges the government's approach and warns of potential economic contraction.

Condemns the Conservative Party for leaving a £22 billion black hole in public finances, criticises their failure to address productivity issues, and defends Labour's historic landslide victory based on promises of change. Highlights Budget decisions that stabilized public finances and protected working people from higher taxes.

Critiques the Chief Secretary for breaking promises made during the election campaign.

Asks Darren Jones to clarify what constitutes a 'working person'.

Welcomes investment announced for her constituency, Kirkcaldy town centre. Criticises previous Conservative government's record on supporting small businesses.

Questions the financial qualifications of the Chief Secretary and inquires about potential wealth tax introductions without explicitly naming it as such.

Suggests that the Opposition is looking at coherent reform of the welfare system to control budget expenditure, contributing to fiscal stability.

Critiques the Conservative government's economic mismanagement and current Government's national insurance jobs tax. Proposes alternative taxation measures to raise revenue fairly and support high street businesses.

The current business rates system penalises manufacturers, leaves pubs and restaurants with disproportionately high tax bills, and disadvantages local businesses compared to online retail giants. The Liberal Democrats propose replacing the unfair business rates system with a commercial landowner levy that would shift the burden of taxation from tenants to landowners. This reform aims to cut tax bills for businesses, stimulate local economies, provide long-term certainty, and spur growth.

Rises against the Opposition motion supporting the Chancellor's actions to stabilise public finances by raising taxes due to inherited shocking state of public finances. Criticises Conservative management of the economy and loss of reputation for economic competence, highlighting tax rises necessary to fund essential services like NHS and schools.

Reflects on Labour's stance during the pandemic and questions their position now, criticising them for not acknowledging the £400 billion spent by the previous Government to protect jobs and the country.

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Challenges John Grady's criticism of Scottish skills, entrepreneurialism, and training despite Scotland being the top destination for foreign direct investment outside London.

Highlights that the Government must learn from past welfare reforms to avoid mistakes made last week. Emphasises the importance of not taking away benefits from poor people and suggests narrowing the gateway into benefits for future recipients as a way to reduce welfare expenditure.

The hon. Gentleman acknowledges the difficult inheritance the current government faced and urges them to consider shared improvements while also supporting his colleague's request for restoration of development spending to 0.7% as per their manifesto.

The hon. Member criticises the government’s economic policies, arguing that they have a worse inheritance than any other Government in living memory due to high national debt and no credible plan for growth or dealing with the debt. He emphasises the importance of addressing the black hole left by austerity measures and poor management.

The hon. Member corrects the record, stating that the economy had the highest and fastest growth in the G7 when they lost the election to Labour. She contends that it is a fact regardless of whether Back-Bench Labour MPs can grapple with it.

The right hon. Member argues that the motion asks for the government to commit to what was in their manifesto, criticising Labour Members for asking businesses in their constituencies if they are delighted with tax increases because it will help public services.

Supports Sir Alec Shelbrooke's position on tax policy affecting wealth creators negatively, expressing concern about the impact of high taxes on those who wish to invest and contribute.

Questions whether wealthy individuals should be given opportunities to pay more tax willingly, suggesting that this approach could address some concerns raised by Conservative MPs about the fairness of current tax policies.

The Government have taken measures to address tax evasion and inequality, such as increasing funding for HMRC and imposing fines on firms that promote aggressive tax avoidance schemes. The effective tax rate for nurses is higher than those making millions from property or shares, highlighting the unfairness in the current system. There is a £50 billion tax gap that needs addressing. Proposes reviewing and reforming tax reliefs, tackling tax-dodging in overseas territories, and revisiting pension tax relief to ensure it benefits moderate earners rather than the highest incomes.

Supports HMRC's work on combating tax evasion by high street stores like the Harry Potter store in her constituency, which affects local businesses negatively. Urges for cooperation between HMRC and local authorities to address such issues effectively.

Critiques changes to agricultural property relief not mentioned in the government's manifesto, highlighting negative impacts on farmers' incentives for investment. Urges the minister to review these changes given their detrimental effects on the local economy.

Acknowledges the motion but diverges from it regarding a wealth tax, suggesting that such taxes are unfeasible given the current economic state and rising child poverty levels across all UK countries except Scotland.

Critiques the government's handling of Brexit and its impact on public services, highlighting the need for fairer tax policies to address fiscal drag and support pensioners without pulling them into taxation.

Defends Labour’s decisions to help working people and grow the economy by raising revenue through fairer taxation, emphasising that the Conservatives increased taxes to unprecedented levels while leaving behind a £22 billion black hole.

Challenges Labour's tax policies, questioning whether farmers are considered as 'working people' under their definition. The intervention does not provide an extended position but raises questions about the inclusivity of definitions used in debates.

Criticises Labour for losing control over its party and breaking fiscal rules, highlighting negative economic impacts such as tax increases and U-turns on welfare reforms. Calls into question the government's side in international deals.

Asked if he would give way but was not given the opportunity.

The current tax system favours the super-rich while poverty increases. The 2010s saw wealth explode for millionaires and billionaires as wages stagnated, leading to millions relying on food banks despite working full-time jobs. Agressive taxation of wealthy individuals could raise significant revenue, such as equalising capital gains tax with income tax (raising £12 billion annually) or a 2% annual wealth tax (£24 billion annually).

The Labour Government's policies have caused economic damage, particularly the national insurance tax rise which harms businesses and workers. The policy is woefully constructed and executed poorly, leading to job losses and increased unemployment. The tax rise disproportionately affects part-time workers and those starting their first jobs, worsening inflation and reducing growth. Essential workers are being punished by these choices.

Asked what investments in the public sector Labour would cut.

Believes every worker creates wealth, not just a few. Condemns Conservative record of falling living standards and higher energy bills. Stresses need for investment in services that benefit everyone.

Defends Labour's previous economic policies, criticises Conservatives' tax cuts for the wealthy and their handling of food security issues.

Asked Dr Sandher to recognise that home insulation rates improved under Conservative government after a difficult start inherited from Labour.

Asked if the tax increases were causing unemployment and business closures.

Acknowledges the right hon. Member's points on covid but emphasises that focusing solely on its impact will prevent learning from previous economic failures, such as those under Liz Truss.

Points out that the government's tax changes have affected working people and cites Andrew Bailey’s statement about job losses due to national insurance hikes. Highlights negative impact on agricultural property relief, business property relief, and winter fuel payments.

Critiques the Chancellor's broken promises regarding tax increases affecting businesses and entrepreneurs who create jobs. She warns of a decline into 1970s-level economic failure due to misunderstanding of fiscal policies.

Describes the impact on Northern Ireland, focusing on inheritance tax and business property relief affecting small family businesses negatively. Illustrates how EU rules impose additional costs for car purchases in Northern Ireland compared to Great Britain.

Reminds the House of pre-2024 economic achievements under Conservative leadership but criticises current government policies that are causing employment decline despite a strong foundation laid earlier.

Mr. Slinger responds to Mr. Stuart's criticisms, affirming his belief in the government’s stance despite accusations of drinking 'Kool-Aid'.

Ms. Medi critiques policies impacting Wales, noting that 99% of businesses are SMEs and highlighting the closure of a hospice due to financial pressures from increased employer national insurance contributions. She calls for a fairer tax system with a wealth tax on assets over £10 million.

Mr. Stafford outlines the negative impacts of increased national insurance, changes to agricultural property relief, inflation, unemployment, borrowing, public debt forecasts, and VAT on education, emphasising economic sabotage and self-harm.

Mr. Moore discusses the impact of increased employer national insurance contributions and reductions in business rate relief, highlighting its detrimental effect on local businesses, schools, hospices, and family farming businesses.

The hon. Member challenged Labour's approach to tax increases, arguing that the Government is penalising hard-working family farms and businesses across constituencies for its own mistakes.

The hon. Member discussed the negative impacts of taxation on farmers, schools, hospitality owners, and pensioners in her constituency, emphasising that Labour's policies are hitting hard-working people and causing business closures.

The hon. Member criticised the jobs tax introduced by the Chancellor, stating it has worsened job market stagnation and led to business closures in her constituency, advocating for a defence of people from Labour's 'tax raids'.

The hon. Member summarised the debate, highlighting speeches against Labour's tax policies impacting small businesses and workers, criticising the Chancellor's inconsistency and lack of stability in taxation.

The unnamed speaker criticises Labour MPs for their expectations of high office following a reshuffle. They mention that some Labour Back Benchers are optimistic about future promotions, while others feel let down by the Government's lack of action on promises made.

The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury emphasises the need for fiscal responsibility and stability. He criticises the opposition for failing to reflect honestly on their past failures, highlighting a £22 billion black hole in public finances inherited from the previous Labour Government. Murray outlines the government's actions at last year’s Budget to stabilise public finances, including raising taxes and funding NHS and schools. He also mentions specific policies such as ending non-dom tax status, increasing air passenger duty on private jets, and extending the oil and gas levy.