Two Cities MP, Nickie Aiken, spoke out in the House of Commons to make the case for business rate reforms with the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng MP, following his comprehensive statement on the Plan for Growth.

Speaking in the House of Commons Chamber, Nickie said,

"I certainly welcome the comprehensive growth plan that the Chancellor has outlined today. I particularly welcome the reintroduction of tax-free shopping for international visitors. I hope that that also now includes EU citizens. It sounds like this Chancellor and this Government are very much a reforming Government and I welcome that. Can my right hon. Friend please guarantee that he will consider now reforming one of our most antiquated and punitive taxes—business rates?"

The Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng MP, replied,

"We are having a tax review to fit our tax system to the 21st century. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend and her campaign on VAT and duty-free shopping. We engaged on that when I was the Business Secretary, and I hope that we can deliver on her vision."

Nickie Aiken's final speech in the House of Commons

Nickie Aiken, former Member of Parliament for the Cities of London & Westminster, delivered her final speech in the Commons, highlighting her major campaign success and paying tribute to all who made it possible. Commenting afterwards, Nickie explained, "The General Election has been called a