Business of the House

Robbie Moore Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend in sending our best wishes to the friends and family of Mr Stephen, and I thank him for raising this important anniversary. It is important that we remember such events, not least because it underlines the importance of community. I join my hon. Friend in recognising all public servants who have acted in the face of danger to protect us as we go about our daily life.

[Robbie Moore (Keighley and Ilkley) (Con)]

Last week, I met Toby Hammond, the lead volunteer for West Yorkshire scouts. Astonishingly, the scouts have learned that they could be hit by Labour’s new tourist tax, which is being introduced by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin. Because the tax is on overnight stays, it could apply to youth camps, outdoor experiences and sleepovers run by volunteers at scout groups across Keighley and Ilkley, who give up their evenings for the benefit of our young people. The tax will hit thousands of children and young people, who will be negatively impacted. Will the Leader of the House grant a debate on this issue, and join me in urging the Mayor of West Yorkshire to scrap this tax once and for all? It is impacting many of our scout groups, which continue to do vital work for our young people.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I sincerely hope that the impact is not as the hon. Gentleman has led us to believe. If he wants confirmation about that, I will arrange for a Minister to explain the situation to him. It is absolutely right that mayors are given the choice of whether they introduce a tourist tax. It will be controversial in many ways—we understand that—but let us not forget that there are benefits in what that income can be used for. I join with him in his worry that, if it impacts negatively on scouts, that should be borne in mind because they do a fantastic job.