Home2026

2026

  • National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Third Reading

    • 21/01/2026
    • Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
    • Category: News
    No Comments

    The Bill will raise employers’ national insurance contributions to 15%, lower the secondary threshold to £5,000, and increase the employment allowance to £10,500. There were two amendments selected for debate and votes: Amendment 5, which would exempt basic rate taxpayers in England, Wales and Scotland from the £2,000 cap, was rejected:  Ayes 191, Noes 326.

    read more

  • APPG Classical Music Meeting

    • 21/01/2026
    • Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
    • Category: Local News, News
    No Comments

    On Wednesday 21 January 2026, the APPG of which I am co Chair with Baroness Barbara Keeley held a meeting to discuss and hear from our two speakers. The first was Music Education Reflections from the Curriculum Assessment Review presented by Sophie Lewis Association of British Orchestras Chair and Chief Executive , National Children’s Orchestras

    read more

  • UK Town of Culture Competition 2028

    • 21/01/2026
    • Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
    • Category: Local News, News
    No Comments

    The first ever UK Town of Culture competition, announced by the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in October 2025 will celebrate the rich culture, history and identity of towns right across the UK.  I had the opportunity to speak with Ian Murray MP, Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (pictured) about the Leather Museum. The Minister

    read more

  • Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: Consideration of Lords Amendments

    • 20/01/2026
    • Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
    • Category: News
    No Comments

    This Bill will implement in UK law certain provisions of the treaty signed in May 2025 between the UK and Mauritius agreeing the status and future of the Chagos Archipelago, including the joint US–UK military base on Diego Garcia (the archipelago’s largest island). The UK currently administers the Chagos Archipelago as the British Indian Ocean

    read more

  • Valerie Chairs Westminster Hall Debates

    • 20/01/2026
    • Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
    • Category: News
    No Comments

    As a member of the Panel of Chairs, I chaired 2 debates in the Grand Committee Room, Westminster Hall on 20 January 2026 from 4pm. The debates were: 1. That this House has considered cultural opportunities in County Durham: moved by Mary Kelly Foy MP, it was responded to by The Vice-Chamberlain of His Majesty’s Household,

    read more