Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Hospitality businesses in Bridlington and The Wolds are concerned about Labour's plans for a tourist tax in Wales, which may affect local economies.
Hospitality businesses in my constituency of Bridlington and The Wolds are rightly concerned about Labour’s plans for a tourist tax in Wales, so will the Secretary of State confirm to the House today whether it is her Government’s policy to roll out such a tax across the United Kingdom?
As the hon. Member may know, tourism is devolved, and we work closely with the devolved Governments. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport—my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for that Department is here—will carefully monitor the proposal by the Welsh Government. There are currently no plans to introduce a similar tax in England.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned that a visitor levy combined with electronic travel authorisations will make it more expensive for people to visit Wales, affecting local income.
I welcome the Government’s ambition to welcome 50 million visitors per year to the UK by 2030, but does the Secretary of State share my concern that a visitor levy, combined with ever more expensive electronic travel authorisations, will make it much more expensive for people to visit Wales, and indeed my constituency of Mid Bedfordshire, starving hard-working people of income at a time when they have to pay Labour’s jobs tax?
As far as I am aware, Mid Bedfordshire is not in Wales. The hon. Member raises objections to the Welsh Government’s policy, but he should perhaps check his own ranks first, because Conservative-run Great Yarmouth borough council has supported a form of tourist levy for years.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not address Blake Stephenson's concern about the visitor levy's impact on visitors to Wales and Mid Bedfordshire.
Changed Subject
Pointed Out Inconsistency In Conservative Policies
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned that the visitor levy will deter tourism to Wales.
Like many of my constituents in Romford, I have always enjoyed visiting Wales. However, for many, this visitor levy will be a step too far; it is bound to deter tourism to the Principality. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that we should be encouraging and championing British domestic tourism, not inhibiting it?
There are a number of assumptions in the hon. Member’s question. As I say, more than 40 countries and holiday destinations around the world have introduced a form of visitor levy, and many of us have paid levies when visiting other countries. As I say, one of the Conservatives’ own councils is championing a tourist levy. They need to do their research better.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not address Andrew Rosindell's concern about the visitor levy deterring tourism to Wales.
Pointed Out Inconsistency In Conservative Policies
Highlighted That Many Countries Have Similar Levies
Response accuracy