L

Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Con)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 17 March 2026

Debate

National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Contribution

My Lords, I am very grateful to the Minister for his response. I was not expecting Confucius, but of course I defer to that ancient wisdom. I listened very carefully to what was said, in particular by the noble Baroness, Lady Carberry of Muswell Hill. I think she said—she will correct me if I am wrong—that the Low Pay Commission found it difficult to separate the various cost pressures affecting the hospitality industry particularly, including the effects of higher or rising pay. I would argue, therefore, that that is not particularly evidence-based. It would seem slightly reckless to make that recommendation if you cannot determine the causes of the headwinds—but I will park that for the time being.

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