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Stamp Duty Land Tax 2025-10-28
28 October 2025
Lead MP
Mel Stride
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TaxationEmployment
Other Contributors: 79
At a Glance
Mel Stride raised concerns about stamp duty land tax 2025-10-28 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 Conservative party calls on the Government to reduce public expenditure to fund the abolition of stamp duty land tax on primary residences purchased by UK residents, arguing that it will get Britain working, grow the economy and secure home ownership. The motion criticises the current government's economic policies for leading to elevated inflation and high unemployment rates. It also highlights the inefficiency in the spending cuts proposed by the Government, citing specific examples of successful tax specialists endorsing stamp duty abolition.
Rachel Taylor
Lab
North Warwickshire and Bedworth
Disagrees with Sir Mel Stride's assertion that Liz Truss’s mini-Budget impacted negatively on working families due to high mortgage interest rates. Implies the Conservative government is mismanaging the economy.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Supports Sir Mel Stride's argument that the current government cannot be trusted with the economy and highlights the incompetence of Chancellor’s fiscal policies leading to high unemployment rates, particularly affecting young people.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Critiques hypocrisy in the Cabinet by supporting building but also attempting to block housing projects. Supports the abolishment of stamp duty to improve economic growth and job creation.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Endorses Sir Mel Stride's proposal for abolishing stamp duty, referencing support from tax specialists in a recent Treasury Committee meeting.
North Cotswolds
Supports the abolition of stamp duty to improve young people’s access to home ownership and reduce the negative impact on job opportunities due to increased taxes.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Agrees that stamp duty impedes mobility and negatively impacts individuals who need to move for better job opportunities, highlighting its detrimental effect on workforce flexibility.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Cites a study by Jackson-Stops estimating that abolishing stamp duty would allow more people to downsize and free up homes for families, supporting the proposal's economic benefits.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Challenges the Conservative argument by stating that high-end property owners would benefit most from abolishing stamp duty, implying it is a tax cut for millionaires.
Andrew Lewin
Lab
Welwyn Hatfield
Questions the fairness of stamp duty abolition benefiting those with homes worth £2 million by £150,000, suggesting it is a regressive policy benefitting wealthy individuals.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Supports abolishing stamp duty to stimulate the housing market and reduce transaction costs that hinder home ownership opportunities for many potential buyers.
The Government should support this motion today if they believe in growth, a fairer society and a stronger economy. The Chancellor faces a choice between higher taxes or controlling spending and getting taxes down; anaemic growth versus getting the size of the Government under control; destroying jobs versus getting people off benefits into work.
James Murray
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Stamp duty, while not popular, raises £13.9 billion annually and helps first-time buyers compared to those buying second homes or further homes. The Opposition's motion is half-baked with no credible funding plan, showing economic recklessness similar to that of former Prime Minister Liz Truss.
Asked the Chief Secretary if he would back a funded proposal as suggested by the shadow Chancellor, emphasising the need for a credible and workable plan.
Inquired about the Government's intentions to un-gum the housing market and support tradespeople. Highlighted the importance of growth in this context.
Connor Naismith
Lab
Crewe and Nantwich
Pointed out that under the Conservatives, there is a threat to state pensions based on fringe conference comments from Conservative Members suggesting means-tested state pensions.
Bradley Thomas
Con
Bromsgrove
Challenged Labour’s record on reducing welfare bills and questioned their credibility in proposing £47 billion of cuts without detailed plans. Emphasised the need to get people back into work rather than cutting public services.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Noted that despite approaching a budget of £1,300 billion, the Government struggles to make even minor savings. Questioned whether this failure undermines their claims about making larger cuts.
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
Asked if the national debt increased or decreased under the last Government, highlighting the importance of fiscal responsibility and questioning Conservative amnesia on economic performance.
Saqib Bhatti
Lab
Bolton West
Questions the Minister about the impact of Liz Truss's tenure and the deficit in 2010 when Conservatives first formed a Government.
Luke Evans
Con
Waveney
Challenges the Labour position on austerity, suggesting it is simply living within means, while questioning the Government’s approach to fiscal responsibility.
Daisy Cooper
LD
St Albans
The current tax system is complicated and unfair with multiple issues such as stamp duty that distorts behaviour and stops people from moving or getting on the housing ladder. Abolishing stamp duty would cost £36 to £44 billion over five years, without clear funding cuts mentioned in the motion.
Murrison
Con
Southampton Itchen
Questions whether Liberal Democrats' policies will lead to higher taxes for constituents and if there is a plan to replace stamp duty.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Reagan's aphorism about Governments’ approach to the economy is relevant here: 'If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.' We should not pump subsidies into the housing market, as it stifles growth and does not align with a free-market approach. Stamp duty discourages decision-making in the housing market, leading to scarcity and increased prices. It is essential for capitalism to function properly and create abundance rather than scarcity. The conspiracy of crap leads to poorly designed houses being built across the country instead of beautiful ones.
Chris Curtis
Lab
Milton Keynes North
The current situation regarding housing in Milton Keynes North is concerning, with previous Governments and even the Housing Minister not supporting necessary new home developments. While I agree that houses need to be built in the right places, protecting landscape and heritage while allowing market towns to grow sustainably, there needs to be a focus on designing beautiful houses rather than ersatz ones.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Stamp duty policy should help lubricate the system but must ensure that houses are built in appropriate locations. Prioritising brownfield sites and protecting green belt areas is crucial to avoid detrimental impacts on regions like mine.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
In Northern Ireland, house prices have risen significantly, making it difficult for young people to obtain mortgages. The proposal brought forward by the Opposition could provide hope and help young people achieve their aspiration of owning a home.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Supports Kit Malthouse's argument about the salience of stamp duty, particularly in London. He cites an example where stamp duty has led to a significant number of people leaving the country.
Questions why Labour did not address this issue during their 14 years in power and suggests there was internal discussion about tax strategy within the Conservative party.
Rachel Blake
Lab/Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
Interrupts Kit Malthouse to ask a question, but no full contribution is provided in the transcript.
Chris Curtis
Lab
Milton Keynes North
Acknowledges that stamp duty is a bad tax and discourages downsizing, leading to fewer homes available for those who need them. However, he cannot support the motion due to lack of funding and focus on wider property tax reforms.
Blake Stephenson
Con
Mid Bedfordshire
Agreed that stamp duty is the worst kind of tax, hindering young couples, older individuals downsizing, and stifling growth. Proposed abolishing stamp duty on primary residences to make it cheaper for first-time buyers and enable families to move up the housing ladder.
Jeevun Sandher
Lab
Loughborough
Argued that abolishing stamp duty without funding alternatives would lead to £23 billion in cuts to social security, resulting in rising destitution and unaffordability for families. Emphasised the importance of ensuring people can afford a decent life through the welfare system.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Abolishing stamp duty is proposed as a way to unlock the housing market and promote home ownership. Despite being an unpopular tax, it is seen as beneficial for young couples trying to purchase their first homes or families seeking to move up the property ladder. The proposal aims to make Britain more affordable by abolishing this long-standing tax.
Andrew Lewin
Lab
Welwyn Hatfield
Labour does not support the idea that abolishing stamp duty will solve home ownership issues, arguing instead for a range of policy solutions such as building more homes and offering mortgage guarantees. He criticises the Conservative proposal as benefiting primarily millionaires rather than ordinary homeowners.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Supports abolishing stamp duty, arguing it would increase economic growth and job creation. He challenges Labour's housing targets as unrealistic and criticises their current policies for hindering aspiration and confidence in the economy.
Questioned whether abolishing stamp duty would raise property prices and suggested that raising it might lower them, questioning the economic coherence of Liberal Democrats' argument.
Defended cutting stamp duty as a matter of property rights and freedom, emphasising that if they win the next election, they will proceed with this proposal.
Rachel Taylor
Lab
North Warwickshire and Bedworth
Critiques the Conservatives' plan to abolish stamp duty, arguing it benefits wealthy individuals rather than first-time buyers. She highlights that an average property in her constituency pays minimal stamp duty while a £2 million home attracts over £150,000. The speaker argues this tax cut would harm public services and do nothing for young people getting on the housing ladder.
Liz Jarvis
LD
Eastleigh
Argues that stamp duty is unfair and outdated, hindering home ownership aspirations. She cites her local council's record in building homes but notes that prices remain unaffordable for many. The speaker supports a comprehensive reform of property taxation to support social mobility and economic growth.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Expresses sympathy towards stamp duty reform but criticises the Conservatives' proposal as lacking seriousness. He points out that abolishing stamp duty would cost £11 billion a year, with no replacement revenue source proposed. The speaker argues this policy would lead to austerity and increased poverty.
Sarah Bool
Con
South Northamptonshire
The motion aims to abolish stamp duty on a primary residence, which could save young families up to £18,000 in London. The policy is intended to unlock aspiration and opportunity by reducing the financial barrier for home ownership.
Connor Naismith
Lab
Crewe and Nantwich
The motion lacks a credible plan on how to pay for abolishing stamp duty. The rise in house prices, not stamp duty, is the main reason young people struggle with home ownership. The policy is regressive and would lead to cuts in public services.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
The current state of the economy shows flatlined growth, high inflation, and high long-term borrowing costs. Only the Conservatives are serious about addressing economic issues.
Under the Conservatives' watch, national debt grew by nearly £1 trillion due to Brexit and other factors. They masquerade as the party of good sense in the economy but their policies are destructive.
The Government's increase in national debt was necessary due to events like covid-19 and the war in Ukraine. The average home cost in Farnham is £660,000 with an additional £23,000 stamp duty. This policy will help first-time buyers save up to £18,000 in London and £4,000 in the south-east.
Asked why Labour opposes the Government's moves to build 1.5 million homes and reform planning systems.
The MP questions the effectiveness of scrapping stamp duty, arguing that higher wages would be more beneficial but points out that such a move wouldn't help people in constituencies with higher average house prices.
Antonia Bance
Lab
Rother Valley
The Labour MP argues against the proposed cuts and emphasises the benefits of trade deals achieved under her party's leadership, stressing that they are addressing issues left unresolved by previous Conservative governments. She cites increased NHS appointments and affordable housing funding as key achievements.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
The Conservative MP challenges Labour's claim about trade deals, asserting that the Brexit deal was crucial for achieving them and notes that the Labour party opposed this agreement.
Bobby Dean
LD
Carshalton and Wallington
Liberal Democrat MP criticises stamp duty as a regressive tax but argues against scrapping it without addressing the underlying issue of wage disparity with housing prices. He emphasises the need for substantial house building and wage growth to address the housing crisis.
The MP agrees that Bobby Dean is making a strong argument but questions whether he will support their motion later.
The MP supports Bobby Dean's speech, noting the contradiction between advocating for housing solutions and opposing development in certain areas.
Rachel Blake
Lab/Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
In a spirit of cross-party unity, I congratulate His Majesty’s Opposition on their valiant and brave attempts to dress up a political tax cut as a meaningful intervention in the housing market. The Labour party has always been the party of aspiration and has been the driving force behind social mobility throughout the last century. Serious thinking, this is not. We have stabilised life for renters with the Renters Rights Act 2025 and defeated a judicial review against vested interests and freeholders to move forward with our leasehold proposals.
Rebecca Paul
Con
Reigate
I am delighted that the Conservatives have come forward with a clear, coherent and aspirational plan to abolish stamp duty land tax on the purchase of primary residences. Stamp duty is a dead weight on the housing market, a tax on aspiration and a barrier to home ownership. The average age of a first-time buyer in England is now 34, up by nearly a decade from where it was 40 years ago. Abolishing stamp duty will save families thousands of pounds and put the many benefits of home ownership back into reach for the next generation.
Joe Morris
Lab
Hexham
Raises concerns about the lack of affordable housing options in rural areas. Questions where affordable homes are located for young people.
Responds to Joe Morris, emphasising the need to look forward and think about future policies that support home ownership.
Highlights the importance of downsizing in freeing up homes for younger generations. Emphasises the economic benefits of the proposed policy.
Snowden
Con
Ribble Valley
Points out the complexity and regional differences in housing development, particularly concerning green belt land conversion and overdevelopment in some areas.
Explores the impact of government targets on local communities, arguing that building more homes does not necessarily solve the problem of affordability for locals.
Ashley Fox
Con
West Worcestershire
Raises concerns about the uneven distribution of housing targets in different regions, suggesting political motives behind such decisions.
Calls for logical and meaningful approaches to setting housing targets, emphasising the importance of building homes in appropriate locations.
Gideon Amos
LD
Taunton and Wellington
The Lib Dems argue that stamp duty land tax is unfair on buyers, particularly first-time buyers who already pay no stamp duty. However, they advocate for a comprehensive review of property taxes rather than abolishing them outright. They also stress the need to build more social and council homes instead of relying heavily on private developers.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
The Labour MP highlights the negative impact of past Conservative policies, such as the Truss Budget. He argues for a greater focus on building social and council homes to address housing affordability issues faced by constituents like Rosanna, a solicitor who lives with her parents due to financial constraints.
Jack Rankin
Con
Windsor
The Conservative MP recalls his personal experience as a first-time buyer and emphasises the importance of removing stamp duty for first-time buyers. He discusses how housing costs limit family growth decisions, particularly in expensive constituencies like Windsor.
Ashley Fox
Con
Bridgwater
Sir Fox supports abolishing stamp duty, arguing it is a barrier to home ownership and economic activity. He emphasises the Conservative belief in reducing tax burdens, increasing liberty for individuals, and promoting entrepreneurship. Sir Fox notes that eliminating this tax will remove financial barriers for first-time buyers and young families.
Snowden
Con
Stirling
Mr Snowden suggests a cost-saving measure by avoiding the sale of sovereign land to fund stamp duty abolition, criticising fiscal decisions made previously. He emphasises the need for holistic solutions in housing reform, including addressing migration and regulations that hinder development.
Ashley Fox
Con
West Worcestershire
Proposes abolishing stamp duty as part of a package to stimulate economic growth, arguing it empowers people rather than burdens them. Emphasises that this is an important measure for young people facing high housing costs and competition.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Questions the Conservative proposal's impact on the green economy, citing figures showing it is growing by around 10%, fuelling job creation. Suggests that cutting support for the green economy could undermine economic interests.
Bradley Thomas
Con
Bromsgrove
Supports stamp duty abolition as a moral mission to unlock aspirations and mobility for first-time buyers, those moving up or down the property ladder. Emphasises that it benefits all, not just the wealthy, and addresses concerns about house price inflation.
Evans
Lab
Torfaen
Highlights issues related to elderly people needing to move due to care needs, questioning how social support and modifications can be made available. Supports freeing up mobility for better financial outcomes.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
Supports cutting stamp duty land tax, arguing it is a counterproductive and bad tax that hinders economic growth. He emphasises the costed proposal to cut stamp duty can be funded by reducing welfare spending. Cites positive contributions from Conservative colleagues who recognise the need for fiscal reform.
Supports the motion to abolish stamp duty, citing that the Government's reluctance to reduce welfare spending leaves them with no credible economic plans.
Opposes supporting the motion due to lack of a credible plan for abolishing the tax and concerns about public spending cuts proposed by the Conservatives.
Mel Stride
Con
Central Devon
The shadow Chancellor questions the Conservative party’s new-found hatred of taxation when they increased it 25 times in the last Parliament. He asserts that Labour should be about aspiration, but has lost its way.
James Murray
Con
Ealing North
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury opens the debate by arguing that the Conservative party seeks to support aspiration, families, small businesses and the building trade. He emphasises that abolishing stamp duty is a key proposal.
Lucy Rigby
Lab
Economic Secretary to the Treasury
The Economic Secretary criticises the Conservatives for offering unfunded tax cuts and instability. She argues that stamp duty, while not beloved, raises billions of pounds annually and is vital to public services.
Intervenes to question whether the Minister was unaware that her own Government brought us to the highest ever level of tax in this country.
The Government is committed to fiscal responsibility, stating that their policies have led to £120 billion in investment over the Parliament. They cite the highest G7 growth rate and real wage increases since the last election. The Opposition's vision is described as leading to soaring debt, low productivity, under-investment, and anaemic growth during their previous term. Lucy Rigby emphasises that the Government supports working people with new jobs, higher wages, and housing opportunities, aiming to build 1.5 million homes this Parliament.
Interjected during Lucy Rigby's speech to correct her statement about the number of houses being built under Conservative leadership, arguing that it was fewer houses compared to what she claimed.
Government Response
The Labour Government has invested £250 billion in new projects, accelerated the construction of homes, cut red tape, and ensured fiscal responsibility by adhering to Chancellor's fiscal rules. We reject the Conservative motion as it would lead to more cuts in public services and austerity. The Economic Secretary criticises the Conservatives for their reckless approach towards public finances, services and the future of the country. She emphasises that stamp duty is an effective tax raising billions annually and vital to maintain public services.
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