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Taxes 2025-07-15
15 July 2025
Lead MP
Mel Stride
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TaxationEmployment
Other Contributors: 61
At a Glance
Mel Stride raised concerns about taxes 2025-07-15 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Government was elected on the basis of a manifesto commitment not to increase taxes on working people and not to increase National Insurance or Income Tax. The Autumn Budget 2024 decision to raise employers’ National Insurance contributions is regretted. Further regrets proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief and increased Council Tax burdens, which will affect taxpayers. Calls for the Government to reaffirm its commitment to uprate personal tax thresholds in line with inflation from 2028-29; urges against bringing State Pension recipients into paying Income Tax and against introducing new taxes on assets.
Mel Stride
Con
Central Devon
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.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Questions whether a small business owner is considered a working person by Labour, supporting the position that taxes harm business growth.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Ash
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.
Ben Coleman
Lab
Chelsea and Fulham
Defends Labour's policies despite criticism from Stride, questioning the effectiveness of Conservative economic policy under their government.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Suggests that the current Government is in chaos, with hard-left members now running the country without concern for fiscal responsibility or debt management.
Noah Law
Lab
St Austell and Newquay
Questions the size of the black hole inherited from the previous government compared to Stride's £6 billion figure, defending Labour’s fiscal responsibility.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Critiques the Government for initially elevating the OBR but now dismissing its findings, indicating a lack of transparency and accountability.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
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.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
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.
Joe Powell
Lab
Kensington and Bayswater
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.
Darren Jones
Lab
Birmingham, Heywood
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.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Asks Darren Jones to clarify what constitutes a 'working person'.
Melanie Ward
SNP
East Dunbartonshire
Welcomes investment announced for her constituency, Kirkcaldy town centre. Criticises previous Conservative government's record on supporting small businesses.
Louie French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
Questions the financial qualifications of the Chief Secretary and inquires about potential wealth tax introductions without explicitly naming it as such.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Suggests that the Opposition is looking at coherent reform of the welfare system to control budget expenditure, contributing to fiscal stability.
Sarah Olney
LD
Richmond Park
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.
Tessa Munt
LD
West Somerset
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.
John Grady
Lab
Glasgow East
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.
Harriet Cross
Con
Gordon and Buchan
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.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Challenges John Grady's criticism of Scottish skills, entrepreneurialism, and training despite Scotland being the top destination for foreign direct investment outside London.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
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.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
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.
Joe Powell
Lab
Kensington and Bayswater
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.
Joy Morrissey
Con
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.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
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.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Christchurch
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.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
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.
Phil Brickell
Party not specified
Constituency not mentioned
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.
Rachel Blake
Lab/Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
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.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
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.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley
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.
Dave Doogan
Lab
Dundee West
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.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
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.
Harriet Cross
Con
South Ribble
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.
Bradley Thomas
Con
Bromsgrove
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.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Asked if he would give way but was not given the opportunity.
Brian Leishman
Lab
Alloa and Grangemouth
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).
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
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.
John Slinger
Con
Luton North
Asked what investments in the public sector Labour would cut.
Jeevun Sandher
Lab
Loughborough
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.
Holden
Lab
Sedgefield
Defends Labour's previous economic policies, criticises Conservatives' tax cuts for the wealthy and their handling of food security issues.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley
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.
Tom Hayes
Con
Dartford
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.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
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.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
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.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
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.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
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.
John Slinger
Con
Rugby
Mr. Slinger responds to Mr. Stuart's criticisms, affirming his belief in the government’s stance despite accusations of drinking 'Kool-Aid'.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
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.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
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.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
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.
Speaker
Constituency Unknown
Unnamed
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.
James Murray
Con
Glasgow North East
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.
Government Response
Murray's speech includes a detailed defence of government fiscal policies. He emphasises the necessity of raising taxes on the wealthiest and closing tax gaps, while highlighting investment in public services through £120 billion of extra capital investment compared to previous plans. He challenges the opposition to specify which spending cuts or tax increases they would make instead.
Shadow Response
None
Shadow Response
The right hon. Member urges Labour Back Benchers to press for the restoration of development spending to 0.7% as per their manifesto, criticising the government's reduction of this figure from 0.5% to 0.3%. He also highlights the economic difficulties caused by these reductions. Defends Labour's approach to taxation, emphasising that those with the broadest shoulders should carry the greatest burden. Acknowledges the fiscal challenges inherited from the previous Conservative government but argues that the measures taken have been necessary to stabilize the economy and fund public services.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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