Chris Webb MP: speeches 2026

Speeches

• 13 Apr 2026 · North Atlantic Submarine Activity · Hansard source

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  Does my hon. Friend agree that, while the Government rightly continue to defend our people, interests and allies in the middle east, we must never lose sight of the war in Europe and our determination to always stand with Ukraine during this conflict?

• 13 Apr 2026 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  My constituents in Blackpool South pay more in council tax for their housing than people with mansions in Mayfair. That is because, under the Conservatives, Blackpool council had to put its council tax up to the max just to get by. Will the Minister outline for my constituents how we can lower council tax for people in Blackpool South?

• 13 Apr 2026 · Middle East · Hansard source

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  The disruption in the strait of Hormuz is having a real, growing impact on ordinary working people across the world and in my constituency, where many are already struggling to make ends meet—something the Prime Minister and I discussed when we met a few weeks ago. Will he update the House and my constituents on what steps he is taking to resolve this issue as quickly as possible?

• 13 Apr 2026 · Southport Inquiry · Hansard source

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  I welcome the Home Secretary’s statement. My constituents expect Prevent to keep them safe, so can she reiterate what changes she will make to Prevent, as the Home Secretary in this Government, to help to stop an attack like this happening in the future?

• 25 Mar 2026 · Proposed Visitor Levy · Hansard source

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  It is a pleasure to serve under your leadership, Mr Efford. As chair of the all-party parliamentary group for hospitality and tourism, and as an MP for Blackpool—a town built on tourism—it is important that I share my insight on the proposed visitor levies or tourist taxes, formed by the close work I have done with the industry at both local and national level. The tourism pound has an impact far beyond accommodation providers. It supports our local pubs, restaurants, cafés, attractions, cultural venues, the high street and transport networks. However, businesses across the country tell us that rising costs and an unfair tax system are holding them back. Granted, the UK cannot compete with the weather in other European countries—although it is always sunny in Blackpool—but even when we can compete, we are barely placing in the race. The UK currently ranks 113th in the world for tourism price competitiveness. We apply 20% VAT on accommodation, compared with just 7% in Germany and 10% in France, Italy and Spain. A couple staying one night in a three-star UK hotel already pay around £26 in direct tax, compared with an EU average of just over £16. Even a modest levy of £2 a night would widen that gap further. While many of those countries have visitor levies, they are paired with lower VAT rates, making their overall offer more competitive. If the Government consider introducing such levies, I urge them to review the case for reducing VAT in hospitality and tourism, in line with our European partners. Fears about the impact of visitor levies are proliferating within the tourism and hospitality sector. If this policy is to be implemented, it must be done in the right way and take businesses’ concerns into consideration. For example, a levy would introduce new administrative requirements, such as updating booking systems and collecting charges—a burden that will hit small, independent businesses, especially guest houses in Blackpool, particularly hard. Levies would need to be implemented consistently and with clear reassurances that the revenue would cover administrative costs and stay local to benefit the areas generating it. Levies must also benefit local areas more broadly. The squeeze on local government funding, in particular, has had a significant impact on tourism, as councils such as my own are less able to invest in infrastructure to support the visitor economy. By introducing a visitor levy, the Government have said they aim to give local leaders greater control over funding, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas such as my constituency. That is a welcome principle: the Government are right to recognise the importance of local decision making, ensuring that those with the best understanding of their region can tailor investment and develop their tourism economy as they see fit. However, a visitor levy must not be used to justify the withdrawal of existing Government support, a reassurance I ask Ministers to provide to me, the industry and local authorities. Revenue from any potential levy should be retained locally and kept outside core spending power to provide additional support for activities that directly benefit tourism, such as major events, cultural and heritage assets, and transport services. From our brilliant airshow to the illuminations, Blackpool prides itself on large-scale, free events that bring hordes of tourists to our coast in search of a family and budget-friendly trip. Yet the value of overnight stays, along with average visitor spend, is falling against a backdrop of enhanced competition, a tourism offer in need of refreshing, and the ongoing challenge of identifying a sustainable funding model. Local leaders are best placed to identify the infrastructure, cultural assets and improvements that spur growth, and the Government must consult meaningfully with them on their proposals. Equally, it is critical that local leaders engage with businesses and their communities throughout the process. Alongside that, we cannot ignore the wider pressures facing the sector. I and colleagues have called for reforms of business rates, a fairer approach to employer national insurance contributions, and a reduction in VAT for hospitality and tourism. Those issues remain central to the sector’s long-term viability. In Blackpool, there is an ambition to expand the current enterprise zone along the promenade for hospitality and tourism businesses. I am grateful to Ministers for meeting me to discuss this idea, which has the potential to create jobs and unlock growth and investment along the golden mile in my constituency. Like local leaders, I recognise that a tourist tax has some potential to support the industry and our local economies, but only if it is designed with fairness, consistency and meaningful engagement. If it is not, it risks placing further strain on a sector that is already under pressure.

• 18 Mar 2026 · Royal Mail: Performance · Hansard source

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  As the proud son of a Blackpool postie, I declare my interest in this debate and refer Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. I start by thanking all our posties in Blackpool and across the country for their vital service. Despite the privatisation of Royal Mail, they maintain a sense of pride as public servants, knowing better than anyone their role in our communities as a recognisable face, a trusted person and a point of contact. It is vital that we protect them and the service they deliver. Posties in Blackpool South have told me they are forced to prioritise parcels over letters—allegations that are echoed across the country and in Westminster Hall today—but every undelivered letter abandoned at a sorting office until tomorrow represents a real-world consequence: a missed medical appointment for an elderly constituent, a missed benefit notification for a single parent or an important notice for local business. Those communications are a national priority for local residents—something no other courier can compete with. That is why we need to ensure that Royal Mail delivers its national service. Rather than setting itself apart, Royal Mail appears to be intent on joining the race and becoming just another parcel courier with gig economy terms and conditions for its workforce. We have a responsibility to ensure that that is not allowed to happen. Improvements to service quality are impossible unless the company agrees to an urgent pathway to equalising workers’ terms and conditions. We must ensure that the new owners stick to their agreements with the CWU and the Government, and for the sake of preserving this 500-year-old institution—

• 17 Mar 2026 · Youth Unemployment · Hansard source

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  I start by thanking my right hon. Friend for joining me at my jobs fair a few weeks ago, where more than 1,100 people secured work on the day. Some 900 are already in those jobs, working in our economy. That is Labour in action. I have spoken many times in this House about the need to support the hospitality and tourism industries, especially in coastal communities such as Blackpool, so that they can hire more young people and give them that opportunity. I got my first job at age 14, on Blackpool seafront. It was a great job that helped me get countless more jobs in hospitality. We need more young people to have access to those jobs. Does my right hon. Friend agree with me, Blackpool businesses and the Federation of Small Businesses that this plan is a game changer in tackling youth unemployment in Blackpool and other coastal communities across the country?

• 12 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Five thousand people walked through the door of the Blackpool Winter Gardens the other week for my second annual jobs fair, which I was delighted to open with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. More than 1,000 roles were secured on the spot, 853 of which have already started, and thousands more people were handing out CVs and have interviews on the way. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking my constituency team, the jobcentre staff, Blackpool Tourism Ltd, and every employer and resident who attended, for making it such a huge success?

• 12 Mar 2026 · Defending Democracy Taskforce · Hansard source

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  I put on record my sincere thanks to the Minister for reaching out after the incident involving me that occurred in Blackpool a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, since becoming a Member of this House I have received a barrage of constant threats, including death threats, from the far-right in my constituency, and that seems to be growing, which is a real concern. I know from my discussions with the Minister how seriously he takes the security of Members of this House and the councillors who serve in our town halls. Will he outline how we can support him in defending our democracy in the right way, which unfortunately is in stark contrast to what we heard in the Opposition’s response to the statement?

• 11 Mar 2026 · Royal Mail: Universal Service Obligation · Hansard source

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  I declare an interest as a proud son of a local postie. We know that this is not the fault of the workers; they work day in, day out to get letters out, but are being told to prioritise parcels. Like many Members, I tried to go to my local mail centre just before Christmas—I know that you do the same, Mr Speaker—but I was denied access. An excuse was given, and the visit was never rearranged. Workers in that centre said to me, “They are trying to hide how bad the mail centre is from you, the local MP.” Will the Minister tell the House and my constituents how we can turn this situation around? I fundamentally disagree with the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for West Worcestershire (Dame Harriett Baldwin), who said that this started with the new owners. It started with privatisation—end of. How can we get the service back on track? Will the Government consider nationalising it so that our residents can get the letters that they desperately need for their appointments?

• 10 Mar 2026 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  Two weeks ago, I held an emergency cost of living summit in Blackpool, after record numbers of families, particularly single mums, contacted us in food crisis. They could not access the council’s discretionary fund. Will the Minister outline how the new crisis and resilience fund will ensure that families in my constituency can get the support that they need, especially over the weekend?

• 10 Feb 2026 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  In Blackpool, around 75% of privately rented homes have damp or mould. It is a huge problem in our town, so I was delighted when the Chancellor announced £30 million in the warm homes plan. Can the Secretary of State outline for my residents when Blackpool will receive that money and when this plan will finally get under way?

• 29 Jan 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Last year I hosted Blackpool’s biggest ever jobs fair. It showed just how strong the appetite is in our town for work, skills and opportunity. On 26 February, I am bringing it back, bigger than ever, in conjunction with the jobcentre and Blackpool Tourism Ltd, with 120 businesses offering around 2,000 jobs for local residents. The event will include entry-level roles, opportunities for career change and wraparound support, with employers ranging from the NHS emergency services to major local and national firms. Will the Leader of the House join me in encouraging Blackpool residents to sign up through my website to take part in the event, which aims to connect people with good jobs, skills and training? Will he also give a nudge to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, who is sat next to him on the Government Front Bench, to whom an invitation has been extended to open the event?

• 29 Jan 2026 · Hospitality Sector · Hansard source

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  Hospitality in Blackpool is struggling. The cuts under the previous Government made Blackpool the most deprived coastal community and town in the country, but it has a solution: a new Blackpool tourism enterprise zone that expands our current enterprise zone along the promenade into the hospitality and tourism businesses. Will the Minister meet me and the managing director of Blackpool Tourism Ltd, Kate Shane, to discuss her idea to create jobs and unlock growth and investment in Blackpool?

• 27 Jan 2026 · Business Rates · Hansard source

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  As chair of the all-party parliamentary group on hospitality and tourism, I thank the Minister for his constant engagement with me since the Budget, because I have been able to raise concerns directly with him from the industry, UKHospitality and others. This statement will be welcome for many pubs in Blackpool, including our small music venues, such as the Bootleg. You may want to visit it sometime, Mr Speaker, and I hope you get well soon. We know that the hospitality sector has been struggling. It is on life support after a decade of neglect from the previous Government, and it needs more support. Will the Minister continue to engage with me, the APPG and UKHospitality on what the high street strategy can do, so that we get it right this time?

• 27 Jan 2026 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  Southshore in my constituency has the highest concentration of deprived communities and the most deprived ward in the country. We have developed a local people’s plan for work to regenerate the area. Will my right hon. Friend the Chancellor meet me to discuss this plan, so that we can regenerate the most deprived area in this country?

• 19 Jan 2026 · Business Rates: Retail, Hospitality and Leisure · Hansard source

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  I find it a bit rich that the Conservatives are raising this issue, given that around 7,000 pubs and bars closed on their watch, which is felt in Blackpool and across the country. Will the Minister continue to engage with the hospitality sector, UKHospitality and small businesses to ensure that we get this right? Many are struggling after 14 years of Conservative government, and especially after covid. We need to support our high streets, which have been forgotten about for far too long.

• 12 Jan 2026 · New Homes · Hansard source

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  In Blackpool, we have a waiting list of around 12,000 for social and council housing. Given the deprivation throughout Blackpool, we know that the quality of housing is below where it needs to be, and so many people are struggling with their health and other conditions. Will the Secretary of State outline for me and Blackpool council what more can be done so that we can build the social housing we desperately need and meet the 1.5 million target?

• 8 Jan 2026 · Economic Growth: Transport System · Hansard source

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  Reliable transport links are vital to the prosperity of Blackpool. Although it is the most deprived town in the UK, we rely heavily on tourism, yet because of the Office of Rail and Road’s restrictions, Avanti announced before Christmas that it has slashed our direct routes to and from London by over 50%. There is now a direct service from Blackpool to London only at 7 in the morning, and then a return at half-past 6 and half-past 8 in the evening. This is not good enough, and it will damage our local economy. Will the Secretary of State please arrange for me to meet the Rail Minister to see how we can solve this issue? It will dramatically damage our local economy, and we need to get it sorted.

• 8 Jan 2026 · Road Safety Strategy · Hansard source

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  In Blackpool we have seen year-on-year increases in the number of uninsured drivers, skyrocketing our premiums and the cost of insurance. Can the Minister outline to my constituents what her Department is doing to clamp down on this problem, and has it done any assessment of what this will mean for the pockets of my constituents?

• 8 Jan 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Blackpool experiences homelessness rates that are higher than the national average, with a record number of rough sleepers recorded last year, so I was delighted to secure over £3 million to tackle that. With the current spell of extreme cold weather, conditions are especially dangerous for those sleeping rough in my constituency on the sea coast. I pay tribute to the council’s outreach team and local charities, including Helping Hearts, Street Angels and Streetlife, for the work they do. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking all those who support our most vulnerable, and will he assure my constituents that the Government are committed to delivering long-term solutions so that Blackpool residents have a safe, secure and affordable place to live?

• 6 Jan 2026 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  Blackpool and The Fylde college has excellent courses that are training young people in the area in use of the vital renewable energy equipment that we need to go forward, but there are no jobs for those young people locally. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how we can create those jobs? He is welcome any time to come to a sunny and slightly chilly Blackpool to see those students and the excellent work that they are doing.