Budget Resolutions

I wholly support following the evidence and scientific advice, but the Government’s advice yesterday to avoid pubs and restaurants has caused a genuine outcry across the whole hospitality industry, because people are terrified that their businesses will be closing forever in two to three weeks’ time. They cannot manage their overheads, they desperately need support and they cannot even claim for insurance because the Government will not formally close them. Why will the Government not make that decision now?

The Secretary of State will know that other countries have pledged to support every business so that it does not go bankrupt during the worst period of coronavirus infection, that they are supporting laid-off workers to the tune of 75% of their income, and that serious support is being given to the self-employed, many of whom will now not have any work. When will the Government take similar measures in this country?

Clearly we all await the Chancellor’s announcement tonight with interest. I hope that it surpasses the response to the 2008 financial crisis. Regrettably, we need a fiscal response and a level of Government intervention on that scale. We do not want to see that, but it is what we need for people’s lives and for strategic industries. Specifically on transport, the Secretary of State talks about support for airlines and the rail and bus industries. Does he accept that we may have to put some of those into national ownership, even if for a temporary period? Will he consider relaxing the rules on bail-outs for municipal bus companies and others?

On the proposal to reduce the number of trains, buses and tubes that are running, given that so many of them are so crowded at the moment, would it not make sense to keep many more of them running so that those essential workers who still have to get to work have more space?

As my right hon. Friend knows, I am pressing for a better deal for the Isle of Wight. What are the criteria for the levelling up agenda? The Island is part of the wealthy south-east, but our economy has more in common with the north, or indeed with parts of east Devon and Cornwall, so what does levelling up look like for us? Is it part of the funding settlement or is it infrastructure projects?

Strategic investment in infrastructure is very welcome, but another Budget measure that the Chancellor announced was the removal of the red diesel rebate for the construction industry, which means the cost of diesel for construction will double. That is predicted in the Red Book to bring in £5 billion over two years. How much of that £640 billion investment will be written off by paying costs for diesel?

I very much welcome the investment that my right hon. Friend has announced. However, if we do not get our businesses through the crisis of the next few months, much of that investment will not bear fruit as it should. He has quite rightly said that he wants businesses to be in the same place in the future that they are in today, but lots of the income they will lose over the next few months will never come back. Does he agree that we must put in place a package of financial support based on grants, not merely business loans?

Andy McDonald, speaking on the response to the coronavirus emergency, expressed gratitude for the Secretary of State's kind remarks but highlighted that the current budget was outdated. He raised concerns about insufficient support following the Prime Minister’s advice to avoid public places and called for financial assistance for those who must self-isolate. He also criticised the lack of measures preventing utilities from being cut off and urged the Government to reconsider bailing out private train companies, advocating instead for public ownership. McDonald discussed the impact on the aviation sector, raising questions about support for airline staff and cargo supply continuity. He supported extending full sick pay and lost earnings protection to all workers, including insecure and low-paid ones. Concerns were also raised regarding regional transport investment inequalities and the failure of the Budget to address climate targets adequately.

Made his maiden speech, paying tribute to his predecessor David Gauke and highlighting the beauty and diversity of South West Hertfordshire. He discussed local issues such as unreliable rail transport, affordable housing, poverty, education, and crime. Mohindra also expressed support for the Government's levelling up agenda and the importance of inclusiveness in society. Additionally, he acknowledged the coronavirus outbreak and commended the government’s response and budget measures.

Congratulated the hon. Member for South West Hertfordshire on his maiden speech and expressed gratitude to healthcare workers. Criticised the Chancellor's Budget for not adequately addressing the coronavirus crisis, calling for increased statutory sick pay or a universal basic income. Suggested measures such as suspending utility bills and providing business rates relief. Emphasised the need for support for businesses and individuals in Scotland's north-east facing both the coronavirus outbreak and oil price drops.

Supported the Chancellor’s Budget, praising past fiscal conservatism. Welcomed investment in infrastructure projects and noted the flexibility in dealing with the current crisis due to previous economic management. Acknowledged that sudden changes have destroyed business models and emphasised the need for measures to keep businesses viable for recovery. Praised the government's economic fundamentals and their ability to support businesses through short-term difficulties.

The UK is facing overwhelming challenges with the coronavirus pandemic, affecting various sectors including education, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and small businesses. Urgent financial support for families to cover rent, mortgage, and bills is necessary. The Government must provide substantial and unconditional support and shift strategies from mitigation to suppression of the virus. Testing needs to be scaled up significantly. Schools may need urgent plans for closure or scaling down while supporting vital services and safeguarding risks.

Ian Levy made his maiden speech as the Conservative MP for Blyth Valley, expressing pride in representing an area with rich history and promising to support its economic development through various initiatives such as renewable energy technologies. He highlighted personal challenges he faced early in life that shaped his career in healthcare and politics.

Ian Byrne delivered a speech reflecting on the socio-economic challenges of Liverpool's past, particularly the impact of de-industrialisation under Thatcher’s Government. He emphasised the need for justice reform following the Hillsborough disaster and highlighted his work with Fans Supporting Foodbanks to combat food poverty. Byrne also advocated for state intervention in times of crisis, stressing the importance of protecting people's needs over profit.

Mark Logan, MP for Bolton North East, congratulates the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby on his maiden speech and highlights the green nature of St Patrick’s Day as he discusses levelling up in Britain. He emphasises the proud history of Bolton North East, mentioning notable figures like Sir Ian McKellen, the Hall i’ th’ Wood Museum, and the historic St Maxentius church. Logan expresses his belief in the nation's ability to pull through together during a global crisis and shares examples of aspiration from local schools and communities. He discusses the town regeneration vision for Bolton North East and its ambition to become a blueprint for the future of the UK’s largest town. Logan also reflects on his past experiences, including serving as chief spokesman at the British consulate in Shanghai, emphasising the importance of trade and partnerships with Asia. He highlights innovative local businesses and supports the Chancellor's increased spending on science and innovation in the Budget.

Stephen Kinnock criticises the Conservative Government's levelling up agenda for its lack of depth and focus on city-centric policies. He points out that while there are commitments to improve infrastructure, they are inadequate in addressing regional inequalities. He suggests a need for local political autonomy, locally based finance industries, business communities linked with college education, and support for emerging industrial clusters across the UK. Kinnock emphasises the importance of investing in modern manufacturing, particularly steel, and calls for action on high energy costs and business rates affecting the steel industry.

Dines thanked her predecessor Sir Patrick McLoughlin and spoke about the rich history of Derbyshire Dales, including its connection to English architecture through Henry Yevele. She also highlighted local industries such as agriculture, tourism, quarrying, mining, and manufacturing. Emphasising the economic importance of projects like the Ashbourne bypass, she praised local businesses and heritage sites. She also spoke about the security services and paid tribute to Sir Maurice Oldfield from her constituency. Dines concluded by discussing her political beliefs rooted in free markets, rule of law, and meritocracy.

Welcomed the Government’s pledge to increase infrastructure investment but criticised its lack of strategic planning, citing the National Infrastructure Commission's assessment as a missed opportunity. He highlighted broken promises on road schemes and questioned the allocation of funds for the 'Union bridge' project in favour of Scottish Government projects. Emphasised that Scotland has been doing 'levelling up' through the SNP Government despite Westminster neglect. Criticised plans to remove red diesel rebate, stating it would double construction costs. Raised concerns about aviation emissions alignment with Paris agreement and the absence of public service obligations for Heathrow third runway slots. Highlighted HS2's limited benefits for Scotland and called for a coherent energy policy prioritising renewable energy over nuclear.

Stevenson emphasises the critical role of small and medium-sized businesses in the economy, advocating for sustained investment in infrastructure across regions to support business growth. He supports the Government's proposed capital investments and review of the Green Book, expressing hope for reforms in public services, tax system, social care, local government devolution, and inheritance tax. However, he issues a cautionary note on fiscal prudence, urging the Government to consider long-term financial stability despite current economic challenges.

The investment provided by the Budget for public services is welcome but inadequate, failing to restore services to pre-2010 levels. The Welsh Government's budget has been cut by £4 billion since 2010, with an additional £360 million promised for Wales insufficient given recent funding clawbacks and the need for recovery from last month’s floods. Concerns are raised about the impact of austerity on public services, especially as they prepare for handling the virus. The speaker urges the Chancellor to introduce emergency measures to support jobs, small businesses, and vulnerable individuals due to the ongoing crisis.

Supports his colleague’s call for urgent action from the Chancellor, specifically advocating for assistance not only for small but also one-person businesses. Constituents who run solo enterprises are struggling without adequate support and need immediate help to sustain their livelihoods.

Ms Webb highlighted the Government's fiscal responsibility and praised the Budget for its focus on levelling up and economic growth. She emphasised the urban west midlands' progress under Mayor Andy Street, citing £2.3 billion in extra funding, job creation, housing construction, and improvements to public transport. Ms Webb also addressed criticisms from Liam Byrne and countered them with specific examples of Mayor Street's achievements. She concluded by welcoming the planning system reform and advocating for sustainable development.

Ms Hobhouse criticised the Chancellor's Budget as already outdated in light of the coronavirus crisis, urging immediate action to mitigate economic impacts. She called for an improved benefits system to prevent delays and urged the Government to protect renters from eviction due to non-payment of rent during the pandemic. Ms Hobhouse also asked for support for businesses, particularly those in the leisure and hospitality sector, and highlighted shortcomings regarding climate change initiatives in the Budget.

The hon. Member Aaron Bell congratulated newly elected MPs and expressed support for the Chancellor's measures to protect the economy and population from coronavirus effects, including financial aid for NHS and small businesses such as pubs, bars, and restaurants. He highlighted several specific points of the Budget: funding for 40 new hospital projects, capital investment for Royal Stoke University Hospital, investments in local infrastructure like M6 junction improvements, R&D commitments, and the fuel duty freeze that benefits hard-working families. The hon. Member also welcomed the decision to remove the reading tax on digital books, newspapers, and academic journals.

Paid tribute to NHS staff, emphasised the importance of following medical advice. Welcomed Budget measures but requested special help for small businesses and pubs in Newport West. Criticised Government's handling of austerity, social security system, police funding cuts, prison issues, access to cash, and investment in Wales. Highlighted income disparity within her constituency and praised the reversal of the motorhome tax increase.

Echoed support for measures addressing coronavirus outbreak, welcomed increased funding for broadband and buses, mentioned the reopening of the towns fund. Emphasised research and development's importance in his constituency, highlighted transport infrastructure investment needs, praised maiden speeches of colleagues, and supported individuals' ability to challenge public authorities.

Acknowledges the Chancellor's presentation of the Budget amidst a serious situation but criticises it for not being as effective or comprehensive as it should have been, especially concerning COP26 and the promise to 'level up' for people and places. Emphasises the need to stop individuals falling through welfare gaps made worse by the current crisis. She calls for more action from the Government in providing financial support to those impacted by the pandemic, particularly low-paid workers, self-employed individuals, and gig economy workers. Criticises the Chancellor's measures as inadequate and insufficient.

Addresses the immediate challenge of coronavirus by praising health service workers and advocates for further measures to support smaller businesses and high streets affected by the pandemic. Discusses the importance of infrastructure investment, particularly focusing on local transport issues in Stoke-on-Trent and north Staffordshire, including improving road connectivity and public transport services. Highlights specific campaigns such as restoring a station at Meir and reopening the Leek to Stoke line. Mentions improvements promised for potholes in his constituency.

Ms Hopkins criticised the Budget for failing to address a decade of decline in her constituency, highlighting issues such as the housing crisis, inequality, and inadequate investment in public services. She pointed out that only 6,287 new council houses were delivered in England in 2018-19 despite 1.15 million households being on waiting lists, with social rented homes lost through sales and demolitions. The speaker advocated for greater investment in good-quality council housing and a national, publicly funded housebuilding programme alongside councils and housing associations. She also criticised the Government's transport infrastructure investment plan, noting the focus on road building over public transport, which would exacerbate the climate emergency and regional inequality.

Miriam Cates expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak in the debate, highlighting the significance of the Chancellor's recent Budget statement which she believes signals a major shift in national economic direction. She pointed out that previous decades saw economic centralisation favouring London and the south-east while neglecting towns like Penistone, Stocksbridge, and Chapeltown. The current Government's commitment to 'level up' has resonated with voters concerned about poor transport infrastructure and lack of local opportunities for young people. Cates praised the Budget's focus on improving public services such as transport, hospitals, GPs, and schools, mentioning specific funds like £4.5 billion transforming cities fund, £500 million Restoring Your Railway Fund, and a £5 billion fund for buses and cycle routes. She also highlighted measures to support business growth through increased employment allowance, rate cuts, start-up loans, and scale-up provisions.

Ms Qureshi expressed concern over the government's delayed response to the pandemic, highlighting issues such as unclear guidance for families with serious health conditions, lack of testing for frontline staff, insufficient NHS capacity planning, and inadequate ventilator production. She also raised concerns about support for insecure workers and low-income households, proposing full sick pay and payment deferral options. Additionally, she questioned measures for businesses facing bankruptcy due to the crisis and suggested urgent action on universal credit waiting times and sanctions. Ms Qureshi further emphasised the importance of a strong government intervention akin to Labour's 2008 bailout package to protect citizens' health and economic stability.

Welcomed the business-friendly measures in the Budget, such as the effective abolition of business rates for small businesses and the opportunity to regenerate high streets. Urged for match funding to revitalise the Royal Doulton site and improve high street regeneration. Emphasised the importance of education investment and the potential for Stoke-on-Trent to become a hub for technology through partnerships with local universities and the establishment of free schools and specialist maths schools. Highlighted investments in gigabit-capable broadband, which could unlock billions for regional growth. Mentioned support for freezing beer duty and fuel duty, as well as the importance of public transportation infrastructure improvements under the transforming cities fund.

The Budget addresses the current state of NHS and public health service, emphasising years of cuts under this Government leading to longer waiting lists, delayed appointments, cancelled operations, and increased pain. The UK has fewer ICU beds compared to European countries like Germany, Italy, and France. The National Education Union claims that the budget does not support a long-term plan for young people within a chronically underfunded system. There is no legislation in the Government agenda on social care reform as promised by the Prime Minister.

Welcomed the Chancellor's first Budget, emphasised the need for flexibility in responding to coronavirus due to changing scientific understanding. Highlighted £5 billion emergency response fund for NHS support and £500 million hardship fund for local councils. Urged Government to cut bureaucracy so businesses can receive support quickly. Emphasised the importance of delivering broadband infrastructure across the country. Noted the doubling of flood defence funding to £5.2 billion over five years, welcoming red diesel availability for farmers. Supported the money allocated for fixing potholes and the A303 tunnel project under Stonehenge. Welcomed £1.5 billion in capital spending on further education colleges and £500 million for electric vehicles infrastructure.

Hollinrake emphasises the need for private sector involvement in levelling up initiatives, advocating for super enterprise zones to attract private investment. He also highlights the potential existential crisis facing businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic, urging for substantial government support measures such as loans and grants to mitigate economic impacts. He calls for emergency legislation to ensure banks continue to cash-flow businesses during the crisis.

Gullis agrees with Hollinrake's suggestion of expanding enterprise zones, citing Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramic valley as an example that should be expanded in times of coronavirus to support local businesses.

Swayne points out the closure of hospitality and public entertainment industries necessitates government intervention to pay wages, reinforcing the need for comprehensive support measures.

Parish urges banks to offer commercial loans at competitive rates to avoid profiteering from businesses in crisis, emphasising fair financial practices during economic downturns.

Welcomed the Budget's focus on addressing economic challenges and 'levelling up'. Highlighted concerns about infrastructure development in his constituency, including the A47 project delays and the third crossing in Lowestoft. Emphasised the importance of coastal communities and their strategic location for fishing and offshore wind farms. Raised issues related to flood defences and the need for a review of the Green Book. Called for more investment in education and further education institutions. Noted the need for flexibility and readiness to adapt policy.

Highlights the UK Government's fiscal response to coronavirus, emphasising the £330 billion support package. Acknowledges the optimism and positive spirit of the Budget despite the pandemic context. Supports the smaller local transport projects mentioned in the Budget.

Offers order regarding interventions, specifically noting that a new MP's intervention was longer than usual but allowed due to his novelty in the House. Emphasises the importance of productivity and supports the Government’s commitment to skills and research and development.

Welcomes the Chief Secretary and acknowledges contributions from other Members. Criticises the initial economic support package for not being substantial enough compared to measures announced by France and Germany, highlighting the need for more focus on employee support in affected industries. Emphasises that the Government underestimated the challenge facing the country but appreciates their belated response. Discusses the impact of the Government's 10-year tenure, underspending on infrastructure, and the misjudgement of the 'levelling up' agenda. Criticises the lack of coherent plan in government announcements and the absence of climate action funding. Condemns the Conservative approach to public investment as ineffective and highlights the issue of low pay and insecure working conditions. Raises concerns over falling manufacturing output and zero growth before the coronavirus outbreak, stressing that the Government's Budget did not adequately address these issues. Criticises the Chancellor for delaying important decisions on social care, fiscal rules framework, national investment plan, and comprehensive spending review. Advises the Chancellor to stop putting off critical matters and get things done.

Acknowledged contributions from new Members regarding NHS challenges, housing issues, railway electrification, bus routes, climate emergency, and infrastructure. Emphasised the Government's commitment to providing a comprehensive response to coronavirus through further measures by the Chancellor.

Informed the House about Mr Speaker’s certification that motion No. 2 on income tax main rates relates to England, Wales and Northern Ireland and is within devolved legislative competence, subject to double majority voting if a division occurs.