Monica Harding

Monica Harding

Liberal Democrat — Esher and Walton

Speaking in the House of Commons on 12 November 2026

Debate

Hospitality Sector VAT: Local Economies, Employment and Growth

Contribution

The Minister talks about reducing prices for customers, yet a Michelin-starred restaurant in my constituency, Starling, cannot pass those costs on to customers because they cannot pay it, and it cannot keep up with the rising costs. The Good Earth, which I think many people will be familiar with, have seven sites throughout London and the south-east; they have lost the opportunity to expand, they are reviewing locations and looking at their employment practices. That is without mentioning the pubs that are struggling to survive, which is completely heartbreaking. Does the Minister agree that not enough is being done to save these restaurants that are so much part of our high streets?

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