← Back to House of Commons Debates
Spring Statement 2025-03-26
26 March 2025
Lead MP
Rachel Reeves
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSUkraineEconomyEmployment
Other Contributors: 69
At a Glance
Rachel Reeves raised concerns about spring statement 2025-03-26 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Labour Government aims to provide security for working people and deliver national renewal, restoring stability to public finances by cutting interest rates three times since the election. The focus is on rebuilding public services with record investment in NHS, reducing waiting lists, increasing the national living wage, securing Britain's future amidst global uncertainty due to Ukraine invasion, ensuring economic stability through non-negotiable fiscal rules, protecting working people from tax increases, and reforming welfare.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
The Labour Government has restored stability to public finances by cutting interest rates three times since the election. They have increased NHS investment leading to reduced waiting lists, raised the national living wage for 3 million people, and are reforming welfare to support more people back into work.
Chancellor of the Exchequer
Labour Party
The Chancellor detailed the Government's approach to economic stability through close collaboration with the Bank of England and maintaining a focus on reducing inflation. The speech included plans for increased capital investment, defence spending, and support for the defence industry, aiming to boost jobs and innovation across various regions in the UK.
Mel Stride
Con
Central Devon
The shadow Chancellor criticised the government's economic policies, pointing out that they led to halved growth forecasts, higher inflation, rising unemployment, and a significant increase in borrowing. He emphasised the negative impact on businesses and charities due to increased taxes.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Streatham
The Labour party's response criticises the current government for breaking promises and failing to address economic challenges effectively. The opposition argues that the government's policies, such as tax rises and national insurance increases, harm working people while offering no clear alternatives or solutions.
Meg Hillier
Lab/Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
The Chair of the Treasury Committee questions the Chancellor about capital spending details, specifically inquiring about the allocation of an additional £2 billion per year for infrastructure projects.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
The Liberal Democrats argue that the government's policies fail to deliver on promised change and continue to harm small businesses, high streets, and public services. The opposition calls for a more progressive approach to welfare reform and trade policies.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Stanhore
Responds by highlighting the government's achievements in NHS funding, breakfast clubs for schools, increased defence spending, carer support, living wage increases, and employment rights. She defends the government's approach to trade with the US despite President Trump’s tariffs and emphasises that they will reset the relationship with Europe. Argues against welfare cuts without fixing healthcare and social care issues.
Jeevun Sandher
Lab
Loughborough
Questions how the Chancellor's plans to build more homes will help young people in Loughborough get good, non-graduate jobs. Expresses concern about the difficult times young people have faced due to austerity and pandemic.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Inquires about the Chancellor's commitment not to introduce more tax increases and questions the impact of government planning reforms on potential output as per OBR report. Asks if the Employment Rights Bill has been evaluated by the OBR.
Yuan Yang
Lab
Earley and Woodley
Reaffirms the importance of fiscal stability despite global instability for long-term government missions such as defending the country, improving living standards, and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Asks about compensation for schools facing increased national insurance contributions. Questions if Sir Robert Pattinson academy in her constituency will receive sufficient funds to cover these costs.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Supports the reforms set out by the Work and Pensions Secretary but expresses concern that cuts to health and disability benefits will lead to increased poverty and worsened health conditions.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
Concerned about welfare cuts impacting individuals just above the poverty line, despite protecting the most vulnerable. She questioned whether it is necessary to reassess DWP changes.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Critiqued the Chancellor's performance on growth and tax increases, citing a halving of the growth forecast by the OBR. She questioned why productivity growth was expected to decline.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Commended the Chancellor for addressing challenges left by previous administrations. Inquired about the work being done to develop new models of funding for infrastructure projects, particularly rail infrastructure.
Dorking and Horley
Asked if the Government would use specific public R&D on defence spending to boost economic growth. Praised the Chancellor for evaluating a London Business School paper on this topic as part of the spring statement.
Zubir Ahmed
Lab
Glasgow South West
Congratulated the Chancellor on addressing challenges and opportunities in the defence sector, which will lead to more investment in Glasgow South West. Highlighted past economic issues under SNP governance.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Asked for assurance regarding funding for workers potentially losing jobs at Scunthorpe steelworks, seeking support not only for redundant workers but also to attract new business and provide retraining.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Challenged the Government's choice to cut welfare rather than implement a wealth tax. Criticised the impact of these cuts on disabled individuals who rely heavily on state support.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Questioned why, if the Chancellor claims that circumstances have changed, she would not consider lowering income tax rates or reconsidering re-accession to the EU single market. Suggested implementing a wealth tax as an alternative to welfare cuts.
Preet Kaur Gill
Lab/Co-op
Birmingham Edgbaston
Complimented the Chancellor's statement and criticised the Conservative party for not understanding the link between house building and economic constraints. Emphasised the need to build affordable homes.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
Challenged the Chancellor’s ability to stand up to unions, particularly in reducing the size of the civil service after it increased under previous Conservative leadership. Highlighted redundancy costs within the transformation fund.
Barrow and Furness
Acknowledged the challenges left by previous governments and praised the Chancellor's commitment to funding in Barrow and Furness, highlighting it as a blueprint for better spending of the defence pound.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
He criticised the Government's scaled back productivity ambitions, growing number of young people not in education, employment or training, and the current lower levels of apprenticeships. He called for an increase in apprenticeship numbers to build skills and grow productivity.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
She supported her right hon. Friend, stating that the fiscal rules designed by their Government ensured they did not repeat Conservative party austerity which harmed constituents. She cited OBR's confirmation of people being £500 a year better off.
Torbay
He criticised severe cuts to the benefits system that will hit some of the most vulnerable, arguing it is ill-conceived and should not be balanced on the backs of those in society who need support.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
He called for protection of the most vulnerable in society and introduction of a wealth tax so that multimillionaires and billionaires pay their fair share. He warned about disability organisations’ warnings regarding hundreds of thousands being pushed into poverty.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
He welcomed the Chancellor's emphasis on defence expenditure and support for the nuclear deterrent but questioned if sufficient spending is allocated to defence post-Ukraine.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
He thanked the Chancellor for her statement while also expressing concerns about cuts to welfare payments affecting some of his poorest constituents. He suggested implementing a wealth tax or equalizing capital gains tax with income tax.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
He questioned the economic sustainability of the Chancellor's claims and the proportion of transformation fund available to Northern Ireland for public service improvements.
John Grady
Lab
Glasgow East
He emphasised the importance of carefully managing public finances to avoid increasing costs of capital, impacting essential investments in housing and infrastructure.
Salford
Expressed serious concerns about the welfare reform, citing a constituent’s fears of increased poverty and suicide risks. Raised issues regarding an increase in relative poverty by 250,000 people and 50,000 children.
Nigel Farage
Reform
Clacton
Questioned the relevance of GDP as a measure of growth for constituents, advocating instead for GDP per capita which has fallen over the past two years.
Matthew Patrick
Lab
Wirral West
Welcomed the Chancellor’s £3 billion investment in a transformation fund but criticised the Tories for ducking reform and putting pressure on frontline services due to their failure to address it.
Alberto Costa
Con
South Leicestershire
Asked the Chancellor to explain Labour's decision to remove winter fuel payments from pensioners earning £13,500 annually.
Zarah Sultana
Ind
Coventry South
Highlighted that more than one in three children and 25% of adults live in poverty despite the UK being the sixth richest country. Criticised Labour for pushing 25,000 children into poverty due to a two-child benefit cap.
Adrian Ramsay
Green
Waveney Valley
Accused the economy of being driven to the edge over the past 15 years with ordinary people bearing the burden while the wealthy amass extreme wealth. Suggested a tax on the wealthiest rather than austerity measures.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Welcomed today's defence announcement, which she claimed delivers security for working people and cements Portsmouth’s reputation as the future home of the Royal Navy. Criticised previous Conservative government for decimating armed services.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Critiqued the Chancellor's failure to take action that would have reversed damage done to pensioners, farmers, businesses, charities, and hard-working people due to tax rises.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Compared this Government’s strength in addressing wasteful spending with the last one's weakness. Emphasised tackling vested interests to build a better Britain.
Eastbourne
Expressed concerns over local organisations facing redundancies and increased costs due to national insurance increases, questioning how these will be supported.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Questioned the justification for cutting disability benefits instead of taxing super-rich individuals. Suggested a 2% tax on assets over £10 million could raise £24 billion annually.
Nigel Farage
Ind
Clacton
He questioned the slow growth rate since 2006, emphasising that the growth should impact constituents more directly.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
Welsh regions would suffer significantly from proposed cuts due to higher disabled populations and public sector workforce. She called for a change in fiscal rules to avoid further austerity measures.
Polly Billington
Lab
East Thanet
Acknowledged the Chancellor's recognition of Labour-run councils' efforts in building social homes and securing local employment opportunities. She questioned whether the Office for Budget Responsibility evaluated the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill's impact.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Criticised the Chancellor's fiscal policies, pointing out tax rises and reduced housing numbers, urging the Prime Minister to dismiss her.
Southend West and Leigh
Acknowledged the impact of minimum wage increases and inflation reduction on lifting people out of poverty. He praised the Government's efforts in making work pay.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
Expressed concerns over farming sector policies, including farm taxes and environmental protection commitments from the Government.
Nesil Caliskan
Lab
Barking
Emphasised the importance of creating jobs for those with low qualifications in improving their life chances. She supported the changes to apprenticeship levies to enhance access to training opportunities.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
Asked if the Chancellor would address issues related to Chagos, questioning whether the UK taxpayer will be responsible for any costs.
Poole
Highlighted cuts to disability benefits and advocated for wealthier individuals contributing more to reduce burdens on poorer families.
Alex Brewer
LD
North East Hampshire
Welcomed the commitment to better military homes, asking for clarity regarding RAF Odiham inclusion in these plans.
Sarah Coombes
Lab
West Bromwich
Acknowledged the careful use of taxpayers' money and praised efforts towards repairing public finances and reducing NHS waiting lists.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Critiqued austerity measures impacting children in poverty, suggesting reversing decisions like cutting welfare funds to better support families.
Hendon
Complimented the Chancellor's efforts to end austerity by investing in NHS, education, and defence. He emphasised the need for bold reforms to improve public services.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
Asked the Chancellor to confirm hearing Liberal Democrat alternatives regarding alternative taxes, including those on big banks and social media giants. Questioned why these suggestions were not being considered.
Gregor Poynton
Lab
Livingston
Inquired about how UK Export Finance's increased capacity will support defence companies in Scotland to create jobs, particularly in Livingston.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Complained that the Chancellor did not address agriculture or farming issues. Criticised a family farm tax as detrimental for young farmers and the agricultural sector's future.
Mark Ferguson
Lab
Gateshead Central and Whickham
Welcomed additional capital expenditure, asking to put today’s statement into context of prior investments and contrast with previous Government's lack of long-term growth plans.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Sought commitment from the Chancellor for Huntingdon in relation to defence innovation funding, highlighting its significance as a defence intelligence hub and potential redevelopment sites.
Rosie Wrighting
Lab
Kettering
Asked how the economy would look under Conservative plans, noting their opposition to every decision made by the Chancellor. Criticised Conservatives for leaving £22 billion hole in public finances.
Cheltenham
Sought assurance that Chancellor will work with other Departments on Golden Valley development project next to GCHQ, which is crucial for defence industry growth.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Thanked Chancellor for increase in defence spending and asked her to work towards continuous shipbuilding programme in Scotland. Criticised SNP's lack of support for the defence sector.
Adnan Hussain
Ind
Blackburn
Critiqued the announcement, noting that over 3 million families receiving disability benefits will suffer financial losses due to today’s changes, averaging a £1,720 per year loss compared with inflation.
Louise Jones
Lab
North East Derbyshire
Asked how extra public investment and the national wealth fund will change investment in east midlands and North East Derbyshire.
Helen Morgan
LD
North Shropshire
Inquired about future of Pharmacy First scheme post-announcement and sought assurance regarding funding for NHS services.
Alex Baker
Lab
Aldershot
Welcomed Chancellor's focus on defence innovation, highlighting the need to improve access to finance facilities for small and medium defence businesses in Aldershot and Farnborough. Called upon financial institutions to broaden their approach.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Asked the Chancellor to better explain how civil service cuts will impact devolved regions, specifically in terms of block grant allocations. Highlighted a past instance where Northern Ireland spent £700 million on a voluntary exit scheme but subsequently re-employed many as agency workers.
Responded that the Government has not set a specific number for civil service reduction, aiming to avoid an increase in agency workers and consultancies. Stressed the importance of learning from past failures in similar efforts by previous governments.
Shadow Response
None
Shadow Response
The shadow Chancellor highlighted the government's failure in economic management, including halved growth forecasts, higher inflation, rising unemployment, and increased borrowing. He also criticised the impact on businesses and charities due to increased taxes. The shadow Chancellor criticises the government's economic policies for lack of transparency, impact assessments, and adherence to broken promises. She emphasises that Labour would boost wages through increases in the national living wage, invest more in public services like the NHS and schools, and oppose cuts to welfare programmes.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.