East Wight MP Challenges Government Over Tourism Tax Burden

East Wight MP Joe Robertson has criticised what he described as a "brutal tax regime" facing the UK's tourism sector during a Commons exchange with the Government.

Speaking during Culture, Media and Sport questions in the House of Commons, Mr Robertson raised concerns about the impact of taxes on tourism and visitor numbers.

Referring to comments made by the chief executive of British Airways at an international airline summit in Rio de Janeiro, the MP said high taxes were discouraging people from visiting the UK.

Mr Robertson asked Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock whether she agreed with that assessment.

In response, the minister said she recognised the challenges facing the tourism sector and highlighted recent meetings with industry representatives, adding that the Government continues to support the industry.

Mr Robertson criticised the reply, arguing it did not address his question about taxation.

He pointed to increases in National Insurance contributions, what he described as new taxes affecting part-time work, and proposed visitor levies, as well as additional charges on air and ferry passengers.

The East Wight MP also asked whether the Government remained committed to its target of attracting 50 million international visitors to the UK by 2030.

Responding, Ms Peacock accused Mr Robertson of "talking down" the tourism industry and said she would "take no lessons" from him, citing what she described as the inheritance left by the previous Conservative government.

Following the exchange, Mr Robertson said ministers should be accountable for decisions affecting the tourism sector and pledged to continue campaigning on behalf of tourism businesses both on the Isle of Wight and across the UK.