House of Commons – April 17, 2024 – 128

I beg to move an amendment, to leave out from “That” to the end of the Question and add: “this House declines to give a Second Reading to the Finance (No. 2) Bill because it fails to make a much-needed reduction in VAT for the hospitality and tourism sectors;

fails to reintroduce tax-free shopping for international visitors;

does not establish a more progressive tax system by introducing a starter rate, in line with the Scottish Government’s approach;

fails to introduce measures through the tax system that would help alleviate the cost of living crisis and reduce inequality;

and fails to introduce tax relief measures to enable vital high-growth sectors, like the renewable sector, to grow the economy;

and because it derives from a Budget which proposed to extend the Energy (Oil and Gas) Profits Levy, threatening the security of jobs in north east Scotland and the UK’s ability to achieve net zero.”