Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Tourism and Leisure

Thursday 18 June 2026 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister acknowledges challenges faced by the tourism sector and has met with stakeholders.
  • Minister expressed support for local theatres and wished the Gatehouse theatre luck.
  • Minister defended government policies and expressed commitment to increasing visitor numbers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Aphra Brandreth Con Chester South and Eddisbury
Business & Trade
Context

Tourism is vital for Chester South and Eddisbury's economy, with numerous attractions like Snugburys and Beeston Castle. The government's summer savings scheme has been criticized as inadequate.

Question

I encourage the Minister to visit our fantastic attractions in Chester South and Eddisbury. But the Great British summer savings scheme is seen as a drop in the ocean compared with the costs imposed by this Government's policies. What more is being done to support the sector for the long term?

Answer from Stephanie Peacock

I recognise the challenges faced by the tourism sector and have met with various stakeholders, including VisitScotland. We believe that the Great British summer savings will make a big difference to attractions up and down the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for additional long-term measures was not addressed.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Aphra Brandreth Con Chester South and Eddisbury
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The Gatehouse theatre in Stafford is launching its annual Shakespeare festival, having hosted over 180,000 visitors last year. The government has committed £1.5 billion to support cultural venues.

Question

What additional measures is the Government taking to support local theatres like the Gatehouse theatre in Stafford? Would the Minister like to attend the gala night next week?

Answer from Stephanie Peacock

I wish the Gatehouse theatre the very best of luck for its Shakespeare festival. My colleague has been working hard on this issue.

Not addressed: The specific ask was ignored, and no additional support measures were mentioned.

How: Wishing Success, Redirecting To Another Minister

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Leigh Ingham Lab Stafford
Taxation Business & Trade
Context

The tourism sector is facing challenges due to rising taxes, according to British Airways. National insurance rates have increased, and new taxes on part-time work are in place.

Question

Soaring taxes are putting visitors off coming to the UK. Does the Minister agree with this assessment?

Answer from Stephanie Peacock

I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his place and recognise the challenges faced by the tourism sector, but we back the sector.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about taxes was not directly addressed.

How: Welcoming New Member, Acknowledging Challenges

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Joe Robertson Con Isle of Wight East
Taxation Business & Trade
Context

High taxes are impacting the UK's tourism sector, including increased national insurance rates and new taxes on part-time work. An overnight visitor levy is proposed.

Question

The Government's tax regime is putting a strain on the tourism sector, with high national insurance rates, taxes on part-time work, air passengers, and ferry passengers. Will the Minister recommit to the target of 50 million international visitors by 2030 and urge the Chancellor to cut these taxes?

Answer from Stephanie Peacock

I will take no lessons from the hon. Gentleman regarding his party's previous policies, and I have committed to increasing visitor numbers. I wish him not to talk down our tourism industry.

Not addressed: The specific ask was ignored in favour of criticising the opposition.

How: Criticizing The Opposition, Deflecting

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Joe Robertson Con Isle of Wight East
Economy
Context

High taxes on tourism are impacting visitor numbers and the economy. The government has not addressed these issues adequately.

Question

Young people are struggling to find their first job due to high taxes on part-time work, air passengers, and ferry passengers. Will the Minister recommit to the Government's target of 50 million international visitors by 2030, and will she tell the Chancellor to cut these taxes?

Answer from Stephanie Peacock

I will take no lessons from the hon. Gentleman regarding his party's previous policies, and I have committed to increasing visitor numbers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about tax cuts was ignored in favour of defending against criticism.

How: Criticizing The Opposition, Acknowledging Existing Commitments

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email