8 October 2024
Dame Harriett speaks in debate on VAT and independent schools

Intervening in a Westminster Hall debate on the Government’s plan to remove VAT and business rates exemptions for independent schools, Dame Harriett highlights the value of export earnings from the sector, which is a key part of growth.

Dame Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)

I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this important debate. The Government say that they are pursuing economic growth. In his excellent speech I hope that my hon. Friend will highlight the value of export earnings to the United Kingdom from the fantastic independent school sector, which is a key part of growth. No other western economy taxes education.

Bradley Thomas (Bromsgrove) (Con)

My right hon. Friend echoes the point that I made earlier that this is about not just a service that is provided but a key segment of the UK economy that bolsters the value of UK plc and UK GDP.

Hansard