Business Rates

Debate between Dan Tomlinson and Mark Pritchard

Tuesday 27th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dan Tomlinson]

I would not want to be the Minister who caused that to happen. My hon. Friend has made a very good point, and, as the parent of a young child, I can say how much I value soft play, even though it is rather exhausting at times.

I have set out the specific reasons why we have taken this approach to pubs and live music venues, and I am glad that my hon. Friend welcomes that for the businesses in her constituency. More broadly, the Government did come forward with £4.3 billion of support, most of which is coming this year, and we will of course continue to engage with businesses and with parliamentarians on this important issue in the run-up to future Budgets.

[Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con)]

I am not sure whether the Minister has volunteered yet for “Strictly Come Dancing”. Today, from the Government of U-turns, we have seen a half turn or a reverse turn or a pivot, as it is known in ballroom dancing circles.

The Minister will recall that I invited him to join me on a pub crawl in Shropshire. So far he has not responded, and perhaps he should not respond, because for many pubs in Shropshire his statement was too little, too late, and they have already decided to close their doors. The independent pub chains have to make investment decisions, and they have put those off. As for the wider business review, may I appeal to the Minister—on behalf of the leisure sector, the retail sector and the hospitality sector—for the timetable to be brought forward from 2029 so that people can plan for their business futures?

[Dan Tomlinson]

The hon. Gentleman has asked about timing. We have announced this decision today in time for new bills to be issued from 1 April that reflect the changes the Government have proposed, because we have listened and because we have carried out that engagement in recent weeks. I am not sure that I will take the hon. Gentleman up on his offer of a pub crawl just yet, but I hope he will be able to welcome the support we have provided for the pubs that he raised with me in questions earlier this year.

Business Rates: Retail, Hospitality and Leisure

Debate between Dan Tomlinson and Mark Pritchard

Monday 19th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dan Tomlinson]

I thank my hon. Friend for his engagement on this important issue, and for the work that he does on the all-party parliamentary group for hospitality and tourism. Yes, the Government will continue to engage with sector bodies such as UKHospitality on this and other matters that are important for the hospitality industry.

[Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con)]

The Minister does not have to defect to Reform to get a pint, and I am very happy to show him round the pubs in Shropshire’s villages and market towns. I will show him that pubs are not just about having non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks; they are often at the very heart of village communities. Local charities, the women’s institute, pensioner groups and others meet there because the post office or the shop has closed. May I genuinely invite the Minister to get out of London—out of the beltway and out of the bubble—and come to Shropshire? He will not be allowed inside pubs, of course, but I can bring him a pint outside when the warmer weather comes. I appeal to him to join me in Shropshire and hear at first hand what pub landlords and owners have to say.

[Mr Speaker]

We’re at last orders. Come on, Minister.