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Spending Review 2025 2025-06-11
11 June 2025
Lead MP
Rachel Reeves
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Migrants & BordersDefenceTaxationHousingTransportClimateNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 105
At a Glance
Rachel Reeves raised concerns about spending review 2025 2025-06-11 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
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
As Chancellor, the speaker's main focus is to improve working people's lives and rebuild schools and hospitals. She highlights the previous government’s £22 billion black hole in public finances and emphasises her government's economic stability efforts through tax increases and fiscal rule changes. The spending review aims for a 2.3% annual real-terms growth in departmental budgets, contrasting with the Conservatives' historical austerity measures which cut spending by 2.9%. She also stresses investment in defence, border security, and energy security, including a significant nuclear power roll-out with £14 billion allocated to Sizewell C.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Lincoln
The Chancellor announces a 2.3% real-terms growth in departmental budgets annually, an increase of more than £100 billion in public investment since the autumn statement, and details on defence spending rising to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027 with significant investments for factories across various locations.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
The spending review invests in Scunthorpe’s long-term future, Heathrow airport's third runway expansion backed by British steel, and supports Sheffield Forgemasters and Tata Steel. It also includes a 10-year infrastructure strategy and a modern industrial strategy drawn up with businesses and trade unions.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
The spending review backs innovators with £2 billion for artificial intelligence, increases the financial firepower of the British Business Bank to £25.6 billion, provides record investment for training and upskilling (£1.2 billion a year), and offers social housing funding (£39 billion over the next decade).
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Additional investments are made in infrastructure projects including £15 billion for connecting cities and towns, £445 million for railways in Wales, and major rail projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail and East West Rail. The review also supports devolved Governments with the largest settlement since devolution was introduced.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
The spending review includes funding to support up to 350 communities in deprived areas, improving parks, youth facilities, swimming pools and libraries, fighting graffiti and fly-tipping. This aims to renew Britain by ensuring growth felt everywhere.
Name Not Provided
Party Not Provided
The Government has announced various measures including a zero-based review for efficient spending, ending tax loopholes for private schools, extending free school meals to over half a million more children, providing funding for breakfast clubs and nurseries, allocating funds from the dormant assets scheme for young people's facilities, investing in crumbling classrooms and school rebuilds, and increasing NHS funding by 3% per year.
The Member criticises the Chancellor for front-loading spending, weakening fiscal rules, and failing to control borrowing. They argue that the Chancellor's claim of stability in public finances is misleading due to higher interest rates and debt levels.
Acknowledges progress made by the shadow Chancellor but criticises his party for losing trust on economic management. Points out contradictions between past statements and current actions, highlighting lack of clarity and consistency in policy-making.
Meg Hillier
Lab/Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
I congratulate my right hon. Friend on delivering this spending review—the first zero-based review in a very long time. I note from the figures that the Chancellor has made a good fist of ensuring that Departments have more than they did under the Conservatives in many cases, and I welcome her work to deliver on tackling child poverty. I note from my brief glimpse, however, that there is a smaller increase for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government than there would have been—there is the £39 billion over a decade for affordable social housing.
Daisy Cooper
LD
St Albans
It has been almost a year since Labour swept to power with the promise of change, but we are still not seeing the scale of ambition needed to turn the country around. We welcome the announcement of investment in the NHS, but it will not work unless the Government invest in social care too. We warmly welcome the Government’s investment in social homes. Will they now commit to the Liberal Democrats’ target of building 150,000 social homes every year? Other public services are crying out for investment, too.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
She thanked the Chancellor for reversing previous cuts to winter fuel payments and urged her to backdate these payments. She called on the Chancellor to reconsider further cuts such as those to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and carer's allowances, as well as changes affecting high streets and small businesses.
Defended the Government's spending review against criticism from the Liberal Democrats. She highlighted increased NHS funding of £26 billion compared to the Lib Dems' manifesto pledge of £8 billion, along with a new hospital programme and investment in young people’s skills for jobs in infrastructure sectors like defence and housing.
Stressed that growth would be driven by backing business through reducing red tape via the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. She pointed to trade deals with the US, India, and the EU as well as increased defence spending supporting economic growth.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Asked for confirmation that the warm homes plan announced in the budget would be a long-term investment delivering healthier and warmer homes with lower bills for years to come. He emphasised its importance, especially for those facing fuel poverty.
Confirmed that the five-year capital investment package was set out for the warm homes plan to ensure industry can plan for the future and train up young people in skills needed for retrofits.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Inquired about flood defence capital spending which was not mentioned by the Chancellor. She asked if real-terms allocation would remain similar to previous Parliament levels.
Replied that money for flood defences had already been increased last year's spending review, reflecting an understanding of urgent needs in this area.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Emphasised the positive impact of the spending review on British business by investing in skills, infrastructure, innovation, cutting red tape, and supporting small firms. He asked for confirmation that high energy costs holding back growth would be addressed.
Confirmed plans to address industrial energy costs through an upcoming industrial strategy which will detail further measures regarding energy cost reduction for business.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Acknowledged productive negotiations with the Chancellor about sustainable budgets for Northern Ireland and thanked her for specific allocations to community projects. He expressed concern over Casement Park redevelopment being handled in an unbalanced and partisan manner.
Agreed to meet with Gavin Robinson or a relevant Minister to discuss his concerns regarding the development of Casement Park, offering £50 million through this spending review period for its redevelopment.
Welcomed additional investment in children’s social care, schools and skills as part of the spending review. Raised concerns about universities at risk of insolvency and called for a transformation fund to prevent university closures.
Thanked the Chair of the Education Committee for their question and acknowledged the investment in research and development through universities. Referred the matter regarding universities' future to the relevant Minister.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Asked about the future of the UK Health Security Agency at Porton Down, questioning whether it will move to Harlow despite significant cost increases and delays. Suggested alternative use of funds for better investment in public estate.
Referred John Glen's question regarding the future of UKHSA at Porton Down to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, stating that it is up to them to allocate the money provided.
Louise Jones
Lab
North East Derbyshire
Highlighted opportunities in nuclear industries surrounding her constituency and asked about further support for young people to access careers in these sectors.
Acknowledged the importance of steel manufacturing and investments in nuclear energy, highlighting job creation opportunities. Emphasised record investment in skills through spending review.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Critiqued the £44.5 million funding for Welsh rail as insufficient, suggesting it is a cover-up for HS2-related losses to Wales and asked for full compensation.
Defended the £445 million investment in Welsh rail infrastructure projects such as Burns review stations and coal tip safety measures. Suggested that this funding was significant.
Matthew Patrick
Lab
Wirral West
Asked which aspect of spending should be highlighted when writing to constituents, citing NHS investments, transport upgrades, police funding, and free school meals for hungry children.
Suggested Matthew Patrick remind his constituents that he was lobbying for the mentioned investments in his letter.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Welcomed the U-turn on winter fuel payment but criticised spending review's lack of respite for Scottish farmers, business owners, GPs, disabled people, and real-terms cuts to Home Office, Foreign Office, and local government.
Defended the Government’s stance on defence investment in Scotland and criticised the SNP's record on hospital waiting lists, drug deaths, and other issues. Announced funding for Acorn without specifying figures.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab/Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Welcomed investment in affordable housing but expressed concern over the spiralling, broken housing system leading to increased homelessness. Asked about the proportion of social rent homes forming the backbone of the affordable homes programme.
Acknowledged the challenge of housing and homelessness, promising to work closely with local councils and the Mayor of London on building affordable homes in the capital city.
North Cotswolds
Asked how the announced expenditure will be funded given record levels of debt and taxes, expressing concern over potential tax increases for British workers.
Referred to budget allocations made in autumn Budget and spring statement as the basis for current spending without additional funding or reduction.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Welcomed transport investment in north and city regions through changes to Green Book, asked when place-based business cases will be reviewed for local planning purposes.
Acknowledged record investment of £15.6 billion into eight mayoral combined authorities and promised more money towards trans-Pennine route upgrade, midlands hub, and trains in Wales.
Tim Farron
LD
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Expressed outrage over 17% reduction in farm funding for his communities. Asked about the status of A66 dual carriageway upgrade from Penrith to Scotch Corner.
Referred the matter regarding A66 upgrade to the Department for Transport, suggesting it would be discussed in due course by relevant minister or committee.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Thanked Chancellor for investments in AI, nuclear, defence opportunities, and £1.2 billion for training and apprenticeships in Scotland. Criticised SNP's management of Scottish budget affecting local college.
Acknowledged investment in AI, nuclear, and defence sectors as well as the importance of young people getting opportunities in these industries.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
The Chancellor has dug a crater into which public confidence and business confidence are plunging. Government spending is out of control with inflation, unemployment, borrowing costs all up while jobs and GDP go down. Reform-controlled councils identify savings of hundreds of millions.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Leeds West
The hon. Member's economic policies are unrealistic. We have increased spending by £300 billion to support schools, hospitals, transport and defence. This includes investment in Acorn, nuclear energy, and a record settlement for the Scottish Government.
John Grady
Lab
Glasgow East
In 18 years, the SNP has failed to invest in Glasgow's infrastructure like no airport rail link or lifts at Bridgeton station. We contrast this with Labour's firm commitment to transport and record investment in clean energy for jobs.
Esther McVey
Con
Tatton
The Chancellor’s hike on employer national insurance contributions will destroy jobs, businesses and the economy despite everyone knowing it. Contradictory evidence shows 500,000 more jobs in Britain since the last election.
Jeevun Sandher
Lab
Loughborough
There will be over £100 billion of investment including changes to the Green Book which will better enable the Government to invest and stop the Treasury wielding it against local communities. Investment in nuclear fusion and small modular reactors will benefit businesses in Loughborough, Shepshed.
Bobby Dean
LD
Carshalton and Wallington
Sadiq Khan criticised the spending review for underfunding Met police, failing to invest in transport infrastructure, and making the housing crisis worse. This is a good spending review with increased police funding by 2.3% in real terms every year.
Alex Baker
Lab
Aldershot
I welcome commitment to defence spending and being a defence industrial superpower, supporting my community in Aldershot and Farnborough with a report on Rewiring British Defence Financing which supports the Chancellor’s work.
Adrian Ramsay
Green
Waveney Valley
The BBC analysis shows a sharp decline in public service budgets after 2026. This statement is smoke and mirrors, considering a wealth tax on ultra-rich to raise tens of billions for public services.
Nick Smith
Lab
Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
The coal tip safety funding announced today is welcome. I ask the Chancellor to review the miners’ staff superannuation scheme to secure a fair pension in retirement for hard-working families.
Sarah Olney
LD
Richmond Park
There was hope for more infrastructure investment in London but instead, we heard support for Heathrow expansion which is opposed by every political party and the Mayor of London. I ask the Chancellor to look again at her support for Heathrow.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
The priority continues to be funding Northern Ireland on the basis of need, and welcome the funding allocation for Casement Park which is a home for Ulster’s Gaelic Athletic Association and economic opportunity for west Belfast.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Welcomed support for Scunthorpe steelworks but criticised the delay in providing it. Requested more detail on the timeframe for Viking CCS project.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Thanked the Chancellor for commitments to education, health, and transport; requested that some of the £39 billion could be used to build more social housing in Bolton.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Critiqued the spending review for not mentioning River Thames scheme, Animal and Plant Health Agency, or improvements to rail despite South Western Railway nationalisation. Requested Chancellor to meet local priorities.
Lola McEvoy
Lab
Darlington
Welcomed capital infrastructure projects as essential for sovereign security and regional growth in Darlington; emphasised the transformational impact on engineering SMEs.
Dorking and Horley
Emphasised the importance of public R&D to raise economic productivity, welcomed commitment to invest £86 billion in R&D over the spending review period.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Welcomed investment for a new tram and bus station in Bradford; questioned further measures to alleviate child poverty, including scrapping the two-child limit on benefits.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Asked when farmers will regain land seized by HS2, highlighting an enormous impact on residents in villages across Staffordshire.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Welcomed record funding for Scotland, falling energy bills, pay rise for workers, defence jobs, investment in the renewal of Kirkcaldy town centre.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Congratulated on NHS investment and asked Chancellor to encourage Northern Ireland Executive to provide similar investment; highlighted multi-year recurrent budget for transformational change.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
Acknowledged investments in health, social housing, and education but worried about inequality for disabled people and requested assurances on their social security needs.
Adam Dance
LD
Yeovil
He raised concerns about Somerset being overlooked in the spending review. He sought assurances that Yeovil would receive adequate investment in health services, housing, education, and transport.
Preet Kaur Gill
Lab/Co-op
Birmingham Edgbaston
She thanked the Chancellor for doubling the affordable homes programme investment and noted the significance of the Midlands Rail Hub investment. She agreed that these measures would drive transformative growth in Birmingham.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
He questioned whether the River Thames scheme, a shared project between Surrey County Council and the Environment Agency, was included in the £4.2 billion TDEL allocation for three years.
Rachel Blake
Lab/Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
She welcomed the £39 billion investment in new affordable homes but raised concerns about temporary accommodation costs, particularly in London, where 90,000 children currently live in such conditions.
Eastbourne
He expressed concern over delays to the new Eastbourne hospital project and asked whether NHS capital expenditure would cover maintenance backlog costs for Eastbourne District General Hospital.
Chris Webb
Lab
Blackpool South
He welcomed the spending review's impact on Blackpool, praising it as a sign of Labour Government support and new investment after 14 years of Conservative underfunding.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
He criticised the Chancellor for allocating £50 million to a sporting organisation associated with IRA terrorists, instead suggesting that money would better support social housing and sewerage infrastructure needs in his constituency.
Cardiff West
He welcomed investment in coal tips and rail projects but requested the Chancellor's support for a new Ely Mill railway station to be built with allocated funds.
Vikki Slade
LD
Mid Dorset and North Poole
She raised concerns about lack of clarity on statutory override provisions for special educational needs, which had been repeatedly promised but not delivered yet by the government.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Stockton North
He welcomed Stockton's inclusion as a trailblazer area benefiting from funding for local facilities and environmental improvements such as tackling fly-tipping and graffiti.
Announcements within envelope set in autumn statement and spring statement. Public services will need to live within means set out previously. Emphasises that no additional spending has been made beyond what was already allocated.
Andy MacNae
Lab
Rossendale and Darwen
Welcomes the package as a true Labour initiative reversing years of Conservative government policy neglecting small towns like Rossendale and Darwen. Highlights importance of Green Book review results in directing investments to areas that need them most.
John Milne
LD
Horsham
Welcomes the decision to widen access to free school meals but raises concern over Castlewood primary school losing 56p per meal, requesting full funding for school meals.
Matt Bishop
Lab
Forest of Dean
Commends Chancellor's announcement on extra funding for crumbling schools and requests information on how Forest high school in his constituency can access these funds.
Gideon Amos
LD
Taunton and Wellington
Welcomes the free social care provision but questions absence of south-west projects in the statement despite previously given assurances. Criticises Liberal Democrats' vote against Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
Yuan Yang
Lab
Earley and Woodley
Compliments Chancellor's reform of Treasury to unlock capital investment for future economic growth, highlighting commitment to funding schools and free school meals. Requests further work on appraisal of human capital investment benefits.
Will Forster
LD
Woking
Expresses disappointment over lack of mention or adequate investment in local government, noting the most indebted council is in his constituency with only a 1.1% increase proposed for next year.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
Thanks Chancellor for investing £2.3 billion to fix crumbling schools and introduces case of Eldwick primary school where pupils are taught in temporary buildings due to structural issues.
Deirdre Costigan
Lab
Ealing Southall
Raises concern over families living in inadequate conditions for years and welcomes investment in social and affordable homes marking an end to Conservative austerity.
Adam Thompson
Lab
Erewash
Welcomes investments in Derby and Nottinghamshire, as well as commitment to ending use of asylum hotels, highlighting the need for system reform.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Streatham
Labour Chancellor announced a transformative programme for social housing, boosting the affordable homes programme. Changes to the planning system and funding through the Affordable Homes Grant will ensure inclusion of social and affordable housing.
Lauren Sullivan
Lab
Gravesham
Thanked the Chancellor for ending local austerity and supporting stalled brownfield sites in Gravesham. Asked for reassurance from the Chancellor that this can be supported by Homes England to deliver and retain council, social, and truly affordable homes.
Jack Abbott
Lab/Co-op
Ipswich
Welcomed the announcement of expanding free school meals benefiting 6,500 children in Ipswich. Celebrated multibillion-pound green light for Sizewell C nuclear power station and its impact on energy security and job creation.
Daniel Francis
Lab
Bexleyheath and Crayford
Welcomed the investment in new and affordable housing, emphasising the importance of transport infrastructure for unlocking brownfield sites. Asked for Government support for docklands light railway extension to Thamesmead.
Antonia Bance
Lab
Tipton and Wednesbury
Discussed urgent need for affordable housing in Tipton and Wednesbury, highlighted the large number of people on the housing waiting list and in temporary accommodation. Asked Chancellor to confirm investment for the west midlands.
Laurence Turner
Lab
Birmingham Northfield
Welcomed commitment to backing Midlands Rail Hub project. Emphasised importance of unblocking cross-city line at Kings Norton station and referenced Thomas the Tank Engine’s literary heritage.
Kevin Bonavia
Lab
Stevenage
Welcomed investment in defence and life science sectors in Stevenage, emphasising its impact on local employment. Asked when benefits of new investment can be expected to reach young people.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Bishop Auckland
Welcomed extension to free school meals and other measures supporting children in poverty. Raised concerns about cuts to social infrastructure over the past 15 years and asked Chancellor for more information on investment in deprived communities.
Joe Powell
Lab
Kensington and Bayswater
Welcomed £39 billion for affordable homes programme, new low interest loans, and equal access to building safety fund for housing associations. Asked Chancellor how this package will tackle London’s housing crisis.
Jacob Collier
Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
Welcomed investment in Midlands Rail Hub and Rolls-Royce nuclear technology, asked for more information on road investment strategy for A50/A500 and Branston bridge infrastructure.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Reeves thanked her colleagues for their kind invitations and contributions. She highlighted the multi-year investments announced by the Government aimed at turning struggling communities around, emphasising the importance of these initiatives in providing pride and economic opportunities to local residents.
Elsie Blundell
Lab
Heywood and Middleton North
Blundell welcomed an additional £2.5 billion investment in Greater Manchester and emphasised the need for swift implementation, particularly for her constituency's tram project. She sought assurance on the quick mobilization of resources.
Zubir Ahmed
Lab
Glasgow South West
Ahmed praised the Chancellor’s support for Scotland’s economy and urged the SNP Government to end their ideological blockade against the defence and nuclear industries. He expressed disappointment at the lack of ambition from the SNP in comparison to Labour's investments.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Martin thanked the Chancellor for addressing Portsmouth’s needs, including investment in housing, health services, education, and defence. She sought the Chancellor's assistance in ensuring that local authorities are equally committed to these initiatives.
Gill German
Lab
Clwyd North
German welcomed the historic £445 million investment into rail in Wales. She emphasised the importance of Labour working together to deliver for north Wales and thanked the Chancellor for recognising this priority through significant investments.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Slinger praised the responsible approach taken by the Government, emphasising the long-term reforms and economic stability achieved. He highlighted investment benefits in healthcare, green transition, and defence for his constituency.
Mark Ferguson
Lab
Gateshead Central and Whickham
Ferguson welcomed the Chancellor's plan including free school meals, NHS investment, jobs opportunities, and affordable housing. He specifically commended changes to the Green Book which he believes will greatly benefit his community.
Lorraine Beavers
Lab
Blackpool North and Fleetwood
Beavers welcomed the Government's commitment to investing in Britain’s future, emphasising better transport infrastructure needs such as train line reopening and job creation for her constituency.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Dickson welcomed investment in public services and new homes but specifically highlighted the need for improvement in transport infrastructure to reduce congestion. He sought reassurance on the progress of the lower Thames crossing.
Claire Hughes
Lab
Bangor Aberconwy
Hughes thanked the Chancellor for the record-breaking settlement for Wales, emphasising the importance of rail investment in connecting people to opportunities and jobs. She welcomed the £445 million funding allocation.
Gregor Poynton
Lab
Livingston
Poynton warmly welcomed the Chancellor’s statement on Scotland's renewal, focusing particularly on carbon capture and storage project funding which he believes will unlock billions of pounds in private investment and create high-quality jobs.
Government Response
Migrants & BordersDefenceTaxationHousingTransportClimateNorthern Ireland
Government Response
The Chancellor’s speech outlines Labour's fiscal rules for stability, enabling investment while reducing public debt. Defence spending will rise to £11 billion and border security funding will increase by up to £280 million per year by the end of the spending review period. The speech also highlights investments in nuclear power, carbon capture technology, and renewable energy sectors. The Government have provided £50 million for Northern Ireland; funding has been committed to British Steel at Scunthorpe and Viking CCS project; housing commitment is set out over multiple years to build social homes. Investment in R&D will crowd in private investment, including from innovative start-ups and venture capital firms. Rachel Reeves provided full policy positions including details about planning reforms, affordable homes grant, Sizewell C project, docklands light railway extension to Thamesmead, Kings Norton station improvements, Stevenage’s defence and life science sectors investment, free school meals extension, Midlands Rail Hub, and road investment strategy.
Shadow Response
None
Shadow Response
Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride's response is not provided in the given transcript.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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