The Labour Party Annual Conference 2025

SME4Labour fringe: BEYOND REVENUE: CAN LABOUR MAKE SIN TAXES FAIRER FOR CONSUMERS AND SMES?

How can Labour make 'sin taxes' fairer? Join leading economic thinkers and policymakers to debate a new approach to excise duty that balances public health goals with supporting SMEs and preventing unintended consequences.

Speakers:

• Alex Ballinger MP, MP for Halesowen
• Lord Maurice Glasman 
• Ryan Wain, Executive Director, Politics at TBI
• David Burton-Sampson MP, MP for Southend West and Leigh

Chair: Noa Hoffman, The Sun

Tickets are free, but booking is required via https://www.sme4labour.org/beyond_revenue

This event is in the secure zone, so you will need a conference pass to access it.

Date: Sunday, 28 September 2025

Time: 16:00

Location: SME4Labour POD (Arena Room - Thames), ACC Liverpool, Kings Dock Street, Liverpool, England, L3 4FP

Please note: This event will be recorded for distribution through SME4Labour and its partners’ social media channels. All audience members agree to the possibility of appearing on these recordings by virtue of attending the event or participating in the event.

Bios

Alex Ballinger is the Labour Member of Parliament for Halesowen, elected in the 2024 general election. A former Royal Marines officer, he also worked as a diplomat and humanitarian aid worker with the Department for International Development and the Foreign Office before entering Parliament.

Relevant to this discussion, Mr. Ballinger's voting record shows a consistent alignment with Labour Party policy on fiscal measures. He has voted for higher taxes on alcoholic drinks and in favour of smoking bans, indicating a legislative interest in using fiscal and regulatory tools to achieve public health outcomes. He has also taken a keen interest in gambling legislation reform, another area where excise duties and regulation intersect with public wellbeing. This record provides a practical foundation for discussing the complexities of aligning taxation with public health objectives.