James Murray

James Murray

Labour (Co-op) — Ealing North

Speaking in the House of Commons on 11 November 2026

Debate

Employers

Contribution

As the hon. Gentleman may know, the overnight visitor levy is a power that we are giving to strategic authorities across the country. It will be a decision for mayors or foundational strategic authorities to take about whether to introduce that levy, and if they do so, at what percentage to introduce it. Any proceeds will be reinvested in the local visitor economy and other infrastructure in the local area, and will support that area to get more visitors in future, thereby supporting economic growth—I hope that is something the hon. Gentleman would support. Let me turn directly to the role of employers in our country, given the title of the motion. As I said in response to an earlier intervention, employers are working people and they are the backbone of our economy. As I also said, that is why the Budget gives businesses breathing space, with 70,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties taken out of business rates altogether, and bills for others cut or frozen in real terms.

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