Petition Extend the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme for the travel industry

On Wednesday 3 March, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP presented the 2021 Budget, setting out the Government's plans for tax and spending over the next year.

The Budget included new support for the self-employed through the Government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

The Government announced a fourth SEISS grant, worth 80% of three months’ average trading profits (capped at £7,500), can be claimed from late April. For the first time, self-employed individuals who filed a 2019-20 self-assessment tax return will also be eligible for this grant.

The Government also announced a fifth and final SEISS grant, covering May to September, will be able to be claimed from late July. This grant will be worth 30% of average trading profits (capped at £2,850), unless their turnover has fallen by 30% or more, in which case they will continue to receive a grant worth 80% of average trading profits (capped at £7,500).

You can read a summary of the key measures announced in the Budget here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/budget-2021-what-you-need-to-know

You can read the Chancellor's full Budget Speech to the House of Commons here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/budget-speech-2021

Who is the Chancellor?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer is the Government Minister in charge of the Government's tax and spending decisions. They are appointed by the Prime Minister and are one of the most senior Government Ministers.

Find out more about the role and the current Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP:
https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/chancellor-of-the-exchequer

What is the Budget?

The Budget is a statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, updating MPs on how much the Government is spending, borrowing, and receiving from taxation. The Budget usually happens once per year.

The Budget is also when the Chancellor announces changes to tax and Government spending. This means the Budget is often used to announce new Government policies or changes to existing policies.

Find out more about Parliament's role in scrutinising the Budget:
https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/role/check-and-approve-government-spending-and-taxation/the-budget-and-parliament/

On Thursday 10 June, MPs will debate the Aviation, Travel and Tourism Industries in the main House of Commons Chamber.

This will be a general debate. General debates allow MPs to debate important issues, however they do not end in a vote nor can they change the law.

The debate will begin following questions to Ministers and Ministerial statements.

Watch the debate:
https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/2e811f25-7a77-438d-9a60-dbea42b4c6e8

You can also read a transcript of the debate a few hours after it has finished:
https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2021-06-10

Find out more about how Parliamentary debates work:
https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/business/debates/

On Thursday 24 June, MPs will debate support for the aviation, travel and tourism industries in Westminster Hall.

This is a general debate that has been scheduled by the Backbench Business Committee, which gives opportunities to backbench Members of Parliament to bring forward debates of their choice. General debates allow MPs to debate important issues. However they do not end in a vote nor can they change the law.

Watch the debate (from 3.15pm, Thurs 24 June): https://parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/73a555bf-9c83-4387-9bbb-30677002d3c4

Read a transcript of the debate (available a few hours after it has finished): https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2021-06-24

Government debate on the aviation, travel and tourism industries

This debate follows an earlier debate that the Government scheduled on the aviation, travel and tourism industries. The Government's debate took place in the main House of Commons chamber on Thursday 10 June.

Watch the debate scheduled by the Government: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/2e811f25-7a77-438d-9a60-dbea42b4c6e8?in=14:00:20

Read a transcript of the debate scheduled by the Government: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2021-06-10/debates/0922563F-114D-4D63-86F5-707A8DC2B434/AviationTravelAndTourismIndustries

What are Westminster Hall debates?

Westminster Hall is the second Chamber of the House of Commons. Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a Government Minister. Any MP can take part in a Westminster Hall debate.

Find out more about how Parliamentary debates work:
https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/business/debates/

On Tuesday 29 June, MPs questioned the Government about plans for international travel.

You can watch the questions and the Government's response on Parliament TV: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/bbac374c-b46f-477f-bac9-e0fdbbf9f949?in=13:28:25

You can read the questions and the Government's response on the Hansard website: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2021-06-29/debates/65D669AA-8596-45BA-93C7-19E206117C21/InternationalTravel

Why was the Government questioned about plans for international travel?

If an urgent or important matter arises which an MP believes requires an immediate answer from a government minister, they may apply to ask an urgent question.

Jim McMahon MP applied to ask the Government about plans for international travel, and this request was granted by the Speaker.

Find out more about Urgent Questions here:
https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/business/urgent-questions/