MPs to discuss petition relating to Stamp Duty relief
26 January 2021
The Petitions Committee has announced two e-petitions sessions, including a session to discuss a petition relating to stamp duty land tax relief, following the suspension of Westminster Hall debates.
On Monday 1 February, MPs will discuss a petition relating to stamp duty land tax relief during the Covid-19 outbreak. The petition, titled ‘Extend the Stamp Duty Holiday for an additional 6 months after 31st March 2021’, has more than 124,000 signatures. Elliot Colburn, member of the Petitions Committee, will lead the session. Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, will respond for the Government.
- Watch the session from 4.30pm on Monday 1 February
- Follow the Committee on Twitter and join the discussion using #StampDutyHoliday
The session comes as sittings in Westminster Hall, the traditional debating Chamber for e-petitions, are suspended and the Government has said it currently has no plans to enable virtual participation. The session will allow petitioners’ concerns to be debated by MPs, including those who are shielding, and will be broadcast live on Parliament TV. The Committee held two similar sessions during the closure of Westminster Hall last year, and has scheduled a further such session on a petition relating to arrangements for UK musicians in the EU for Monday 8 February.
The 90-minute virtual sessions will be open to Members from across the House, including those who are self-isolating or shielding. The sessions will be broadcast live on parliamentlive.tv and on YouTube, and a transcript of each session will be published.
Chair comments
“I’m delighted we have been able to schedule two e-petition sessions, where Members from across the House, including those self-isolating and shielding, will be able to scrutinise the Government directly on issues raised by petitioners.
“As was the case when Westminster Hall was closed due to Covid-19 last year, we have had to innovate to find ways to hold the Government to account, and crucially to voice the concerns of petitioners in the House of Commons, while our usual debates cannot be held.
“As these petitions demonstrate, there are important issues affecting hundreds of thousands of people that are being missed. Their calls for help and support must be heard.”
The 90-minute virtual sessions will be open to Members from across the House, including those who are self-isolating or shielding. The sessions will be broadcast live on parliamentlive.tv and on YouTube, and a transcript of each session will be published.
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