Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)

-----but a business cannot give Revenue the two fingers and get away with it.

Before handing over to my colleague, Deputy Sherlock, I will conclude on this. It is disgraceful that this Government has decided it will keep what it describes as its solemn promise on VAT for the hospitality sector but will break a solemn promise it made to workers about introducing a living wage in 2026. Workers in this country have waited long enough for the dignity and fairness that comes with the introduction of a living wage. They also require moves to a European model of sick pay but that has also been shelved by the Government. That is on this Government and it is unacceptable. This is a Government that prioritises the needs of business and builders over the wider common good.

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