Informs the House about a selected amendment.

Welcomes the new Chancellor's appointment and acknowledges her commitment to fiscal responsibility. Supports measures for economic growth but expresses concern over welfare savings, nationalisation plans, labour laws, and potential tax rises.

Questions the shadow Chancellor about his commitment during the election campaign to a series of tax cuts that he now says was not possible.

Emphasises the importance of economic stability for industrial investment and asks if the right hon. Gentleman will support the Budget Responsibility Bill.

Reeves critiqued the previous government's economic policies, stating that their approach led to a lower GDP per capita growth rate compared to G7 and OECD averages. She also announced reforms to the planning system aimed at boosting housing construction and introduced legislation such as the Budget Responsibility Bill, national wealth fund Bill, and pension schemes Bill to secure sustainable economic growth.

Edwards questioned whether there would be a change in approach from the new female Chancellor of the Exchequer after 14 years of male Chancellors leading to an economic crisis and public service deterioration.

Western congratulated Reeves on her appointment, agreeing with her emphasis on a fully costed manifesto as crucial for restoring confidence in the public finances. He referenced Friday's ONS report indicating higher borrowing than forecast.

Francois warned against mandatory housing targets, arguing that 'good development' should be done with people's consent rather than imposed upon them. He expressed scepticism about the approach proposed by the new Labour government.

Malthouse questioned how further scrutiny of the Office for Budget Responsibility would be conducted, given that the new legislation would give significant power to this body over economic policy.

Charters requested information on retrieving unfulfilled contracts during the pandemic and asked how constituents could benefit from a proposed commissioner for covid fraud.

George raised concerns about tax loopholes in Cornwall, where more money was given to holiday home owners than invested into social housing, suggesting the need for better parity in public fund usage.

Gardiner supported Reeves' proposal for a renewed windfall tax on oil and gas companies, pointing out that the UK has one of the lowest basic rates of tax on these companies compared to international standards.

Costigan emphasised the importance of new housing construction for future job creation and economic prosperity, expressing hope that under Reeves' leadership, Britain would finally see significant building progress.

Shannon inquired about measures to improve mortgage accessibility for those on lower incomes, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals looking to purchase their own accommodation rather than renting.

Urged the House to consider interventions to allow more Members to contribute. Emphasised the need for immediate support measures for families and small businesses, highlighting issues such as high energy costs and business rate reform.

Welcomed the Chancellor of the Exchequer to her role and congratulated her on being the first woman in that position. Criticised the previous Conservative Administration for low growth, high interest rates, and a record fall in living standards. Stressed the importance of economic growth from the bottom up and called for an immediate Budget for health and social care. Highlighted issues like NHS waiting lists and child poverty, urging removal of the two-child cap on social security payments.

Intervened to agree with reforming social care as an urgent priority, citing local hospital issues related to lack of social care packages.

It is an honour to speak in this King's Speech debate, and a privilege to have heard the first female Chancellor in our history deliver such a remarkable opening salvo. The measures that my right hon. Friend has set out are the right ones: a plan for growth and a plan to devolve economic power out of the paralysis of Westminster and Whitehall and down to mayors and local councils. Alongside that is a revolution in planning law, infrastructure law and skills finance. We can underpin that and maximise investment into the infrastructure of this country by ensuring that there is a national wealth fund.

I approach the economic measures in the King’s Speech with a degree of trepidation, because they come at a time when the economy was back on track. While I agree that “securing economic growth” is a fundamental mission of government, I would add the word “non-inflationary”. In my time as Chair of the Treasury Committee, we had the opportunity to have a private session with the IMF. Many of the measures put forward by the Government in the King’s Speech were in the IMF’s prescription for the UK economy. Given that those are all tax measures that the IMF recommends, I am sure that the Chancellor is beginning to contemplate them.

I am pleased to speak in a debate with so many strong female representatives. I feel deeply the trust put in me by the people of Queen’s Park and Maida Vale, and I stand on the shoulders of extraordinary women who have represented this area before me. The need is greater than ever, but my community also has huge heart and welcomes families from diverse backgrounds. I support bold new proposals to unlock community energy and creativity, such as ending no-fault evictions and reforming the leasehold system. Local government staff are lifelines for communities during tough times.

The shift to a green economy represents the most significant transformation for centuries. We must reverse the damaging rhetoric by the failed Conservative Government that economic growth and investing in the green economy are incompatible—the green economy is at the heart of economic growth. We must end our reliance on oil and gas; renewables would mean cheaper energy bills and better energy security, no longer reliant on dictators like Vladimir Putin who use natural gas as a weapon. The new Government’s reversal of the de facto ban on new onshore wind and solar projects is welcome but we need local buy-in for these projects to succeed. Community energy has huge growth potential, small-scale renewable generators should receive fair prices for electricity sold back to the grid. Both Labour and Liberal Democrat manifestos committed to tightening energy efficiency standards for private landlords; this must be prioritised in the new renters’ rights Bill. Rail fares should be frozen and ticketing simplified to reduce costs for commuters. Local authorities need more power over local transport decisions and adequate resourcing for service expansion, electrification of rail network is crucial.

It is a privilege to follow the first female Chancellor in history, Elizabeth I’s inaugural address was given from Hatfield House in my constituency in 1558. My constituency includes Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield, both incorporated as new towns under a Labour Government on May 20, 1948. These towns played an important role in post-war rebuilding. I served alongside Grant Shapps for 19 years who welcomed Ukrainian families displaced by Putin’s aggression; this shows our country at its best. We should stand up for our community and values but also remember what unites us. Welwyn Hatfield has a rich history, including the Mosquito fighter-bomber developed in Hatfield during WWII and Ebenezer Howard’s garden city movement. There is potential going unfulfilled; Queensway House and Shredded Wheat silos are examples of projects on hold. I am determined to change this inertia and will champion investment in good-quality housing and social infrastructure for the centre of Hatfield. Welwyn Hatfield is a growing, diverse community with prominent businesses like Tesco and Ocado, and the University of Hertfordshire which will open its Spectra building soon. A new Parliament offers opportunity for ambition and optimism to realise national renewal.

Welcomed new MPs and emphasised the importance of representing one's constituency. He expressed strong support for sovereignty, free enterprise, low taxes, and smaller government, advocating against excessive centralisation and over-regulation. He also warned about the dangers of an overly ambitious net-zero policy and urged for more control to be devolved to local communities.

Commended new Labour MPs and spoke passionately about her constituency's diversity. She highlighted the economic struggles of Peckham residents, including high costs of living, poor housing conditions, and underfunded public services. She vowed to fight for tangible change that addresses these issues and promised to be a loud voice for her constituents.

Thomas introduced his constituency, Bromsgrove in Worcestershire, which he described as a place of heritage, rural enterprise, and economic ambition. He emphasised the importance of quality design in community development and criticised the imposition of VAT on independent schools. Thomas also stressed the need for vocational skills training to bolster industrial resilience and pragmatic approaches to food and energy security.

Johnson congratulated the speakers and discussed child poverty in her constituency, which is now the most deprived area in the country with 47% of children living in poverty. She tabled an amendment to the King’s Speech focusing on lifting the two-child cap to immediately lift 300,000 children out of poverty. Johnson highlighted support from across the political spectrum and suggested sources for funding such policies.

Expressed gratitude to his supporters, paid tribute to his predecessors, highlighted the new Mid Leicestershire constituency including its villages and boroughs. He mentioned local issues such as overdevelopment and lack of infrastructure due to population growth. Emphasised social mobility through education, fairer funding for local authorities, and dignity at end-of-life care.

I congratulate all Members who have made their maiden speeches today, including the hon. Member for Mid Leicestershire (Mr Bedford), who paid a moving tribute at the end of his speech. I thank staff across the parliamentary estate for diligently and patiently looking after new Members in these first few days... The Prime Minister has rightly talked about putting his Government back into the service of working people.

I congratulate the other new Members on their excellent maiden speeches, in particular the hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr Brash), where I know his predecessor, Lord Mandelson, recommends the mushy peas. It is an honour to be called to speak for the first time. I pay tribute to the last MP for West Suffolk, Matt Hancock, who oversaw the delivery of the covid vaccines, a vital achievement for our country. Less well known is that Matt once rode in, and won, the Blue Square Cavalry Charge horserace in Newmarket, a feat that required him not only to be propelled forward by a thoroughbred horse at 30 miles per hour, but to train for three months and lose 2 stone. For all these reasons, I can assure the House that I will not be stepping into my predecessor’s stirrups. Newmarket is the best-known town in my constituency. It is most famous for horseracing, an international success story that brings thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of pounds to the local economy every year. From Charles I to Charles III, racing gives West Suffolk its long connection to royalty, but unfortunately ours is not an unblemished record, for Newmarket was once the home of Oliver Cromwell’s new model army. Old Ironsides championed free expression yet persecuted his enemies. He attacked aristocratic privilege and patronage, but handed power to his cronies. Censorious, joyless and puritanical—it is like he wrote the Labour manifesto. Fortunately, we have left those days of self-denial behind, and from the Star in Lidgate to the Queen’s Head in Hawkedon, the Affleck Arms in Dalham to the White Horse in Withersfield, and many others, we have some of the best pubs in Britain. And we have plenty more besides: beautiful villages, vibrant towns and farms that feed the country; Anglo-Saxon settlements and ancient churches; rolling countryside and big Suffolk skies; dense forest and the world-famous gallops; businesses doing everything from seed drills to particle engineering; charities such as Reach in Haverhill and the day centres in Brandon and Newmarket; Highpoint prison near Stradishall; the airbases at Lakenheath and Mildenhall; and public servants working for their communities every day. I look forward to championing them all and addressing our challenges too, including dealing with flooding in Clare, Cavendish and elsewhere, and fighting the appalling decision to approve the Sunnica solar and battery farm, due to be built on high-quality agricultural land. In Brandon, lorry traffic is a problem. We need the Ely and Haughley junctions sorted to get freight on to the railways. In Mildenhall, where 1,300 new homes are coming, we need a relief road. We are not against new house building in West Suffolk—we have had 3,000 new homes built in the last five years—but we need attractive family homes in the right places. We need services and infrastructure to keep pace. We need to get tougher with the developers and reform the construction market. Our largest town, Haverhill, has doubled in size in only 30 years, to almost 30,000 residents. It has an incredible community spirit, but the town centre is struggling. We need a new start for our high streets, and I will fight for a railway linking Haverhill to Cambridge. The development of Cambridge looms large for us, but I want us to embrace the opportunities, not just fear the risks. If we get it right, we have the chance to get better infrastructure, new investment and more jobs.

I congratulate the hon. Member for West Suffolk (Nick Timothy) on his maiden speech, and all those who have spoken for the first time in the House today. It is an honour to make my maiden speech as the first Member of Parliament for the Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor constituency. I pay tribute to those who came before me. The former Sedgefield constituency makes up the majority of the new seat. In addition, we have taken Spennymoor and Tudhoe wards from Bishop Auckland, and Coxhoe ward from City of Durham. I wish to put on record my thanks and pay tribute to Paul Howell and Dehenna Davison for their public service, and to my hon. Friend the Member for City of Durham (Mary Kelly Foy) for her continuing dedication to her constituents. Unlike some former Members of this House, I am not fluent in Latin, but I am assured that the motto of my hometown translates as “Not the Least, but the Greatest we seek.” This has not only served as a powerful statement of intent for the new town of Aycliffe since 1947, but captures the shared spirit of the towns and villages across this new constituency—varied in history, but united in a desire to get on, to do well, to strive for a better future. My own family’s story is testament to this spirit of aspiration that has long defined the working people of our country. Several generations ago, both sides of my family were drawn from mining villages across England to the Durham coalfields because of their reputation for good wages and reliable work. In turn, my grandparents moved from pit villages to Aycliffe new town, home for two years to the late Lord Beveridge, in search of modern housing and better jobs for their children. My parents’ generation then worked hard to give us the opportunities that they never had, including higher education, the chance to work across the country and across the world, and personal freedoms to flourish. This ethos—that each generation raises the next, that background be no barrier, and that opportunity be distributed as widely as talent—is the driving force in families in my constituency and a lodestar for this Government. But making that a reality requires strong economic growth across our country. We must back the industries of the future, such as Hitachi Rail in my constituency, which manufactures world-class, green trains, and employs 700 highly skilled workers and another 1,500 in the supply chain. I look forward to working with them to secure those jobs and expand high-tech manufacturing more widely.

Stafford thanked his constituents for their support and paid tribute to his predecessors. He highlighted the complexities of representing the newly created Farnham and Bordon constituency, which includes towns like Haslemere and Liphook as well as villages along the River Wey. Stafford emphasised the need for balanced development in the constituency, advocating against overdevelopment and supporting appropriate infrastructure growth. He also expressed his commitment to healthcare improvements and national security.

Blake thanked Nickie Aiken for her service as the first woman to represent the Cities of London and Westminster, paying tribute to Karen Buck's work on housing reform. She highlighted the rich cultural heritage of her constituency but also stressed the challenges faced by residents due to the housing crisis, including inequality and injustice. Blake emphasised her commitment to ending no-fault evictions and tackling short-term letting and property investment issues contributing to a loss of homes for Londoners.

Francois declared his intention to support the expansion of medical capacity in Hockley, including plans to expand Jones family practice with additional GP consulting rooms and training facilities. He discussed local supermarket issues in Wickford, expressing frustration over delays in redeveloping a Co-op site. Francois also mentioned ongoing efforts to secure a definitive announcement from a major supermarket chain regarding the redevelopment of an Aldi location. Additionally, he expressed concerns about sustainable housing development and highlighted his mandate to oppose inappropriate developments like Dollymans Farm.

It is an honour to be re-elected for the fourth time to the redrawn seat of Brentford and Isleworth, and to follow such impressive maiden speeches. After nine years sitting in Opposition it is a pleasure to be on the Government side of the Chamber and to support this Government’s legislative programme which brings hope, opportunity and change for my constituents and for the country at last. I will focus my response to the King’s Speech on the Government’s ambitious proposals around transport policy. Effective transport policies are essential to the change we need to see in all three areas, as well as in addressing our climate crisis. For access to work, education and health services, decent transport choices are essential, and nowhere are they more needed than in the new communities that will be built if the traffic on the roads to and around them is not to grind to a halt. I am delighted that through the better buses Bill, the Government will end the ideological policy of banning local authorities from running their own municipal bus companies. Such companies were killed off by the Thatcher Government but we now see a shift towards better services in places like Greater Manchester where Andy Burnham has set an example. To be an alternative to driving and for us to cut road congestion and pollution, rail travel must be reliable. I welcome Bills to create Great British Railways and to bring train operations into public ownership. Transport is at the heart of national renewal: kickstarting economic growth, boosting jobs and living standards, building sufficient homes in sustainable communities. However, challenges remain such as growing capacity on our overloaded rail network which will need further funding until we see economic growth.

I rise to make my maiden speech with honour and humility, reflecting on the gravity of the issues debated here. I thank those who elected me in South Antrim, a fantastic part of our country with industry, agriculture and beautiful landscapes like Lough Neagh. The constituency includes towns such as Ballyclare and rural areas that contribute significantly to the local economy. South Antrim’s base is Belfast international airport which needs rail links and further expansion for economic benefits. Agriculture remains a pillar of community life celebrated at the annual Antrim agricultural show showcasing rural heritage. Health services in South Antrim need resource and support, as does Lough Neagh's recovery programme for tourism and recreation. The Government have an opportunity to reverse past years of neglect towards our national health service which needs recurrent resources. I look forward to working with this Government to rebuild our NHS.

I congratulate all the hon. Members who have made their maiden speeches on their passion and commitment to their constituency, expressing my own gratitude for being re-elected to represent Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West. I highlight that under the previous Government, people in my constituency faced severe issues such as child poverty and homelessness, necessitating change. Since 4 July, there has been a shift with Bills introduced by the new Government aiming to address these issues, including devolution powers for local leaders, plans to unlock potential in green industries, reforms to boost housing and business growth, and measures to ensure fair distribution of national prosperity.

I thank my predecessor David Johnston for his dedication to social mobility and express my commitment to serving all parts of the Didcot and Wantage constituency, including its villages. I discuss the diverse economy, cultural landmarks, and public service initiatives in the area while addressing local challenges such as access to healthcare services, environmental concerns, infrastructure needs, and housing affordability. My constituents expect progress on these issues, and I pledge to work tirelessly for their benefit.

Pay tribute to maiden speeches, thank predecessor Trudy Harrison for her graciousness. Discuss founding a charity focused on children’s social care system review highlighting the importance of addressing disadvantage faced by care-experienced community. Emphasise the beauty of his constituency and its rich history including pioneering figures like Frank Schon. Highlight economic potential with new jobs in energy transition, reforming planning system, decarbonising grid. Urge for a Labour Government to deliver industrial strategy and targeted investment for growth and climate change.

Congratulate Chancellor on being the first female Chancellor, emphasise need for economic growth that benefits all constituents rather than just a few. Advocate eradicating child poverty and suggest scrapping the two-child cap to help 300,000 children out of poverty. Criticise the Government's rape clause exemption process as traumatic for victims. Propose increasing migration as an easy way to boost economic growth.

I support the King's Speech under a Government committed to putting country before party, aiming to improve lives in Bedford and Kempston. I highlight issues such as inadequate primary care estates, insufficient funding for Bedfordshire police, and severe housing shortages impacting my constituents. Additionally, there is a need for an overhaul of NHS project funding methods due to past failures by the previous government. The proposed rail reforms are viewed positively but concerns over East West Rail infrastructure must be addressed properly to gain community support.

I welcome His Majesty's health and the new Members joining Parliament. I praise the Conservative legacy, noting low inflation rates, job creation, and economic growth under their leadership. Criticising the Opposition for potentially misleading narratives about tax rises and economic planning, I express concern over the King’s Speech's lack of respect for rural communities and its focus on building on green belt land. Emphasising the need to restore A&E services closer to my constituents in Solihull, I commit to holding the Government accountable through active campaigning.

Kate Dearden, a new Labour MP for Halifax, delivered her maiden speech focusing on the historical and cultural heritage of Halifax alongside its current challenges. She highlighted the town's industrial past and its transformation into Haliwood with contributions to arts and culture such as 'Happy Valley' and 'Gentleman Jack'. She also mentioned significant social issues like unemployment, child poverty, housing access problems, and the need for better public services due to the cost of living crisis. Dearden emphasised the importance of community initiatives in addressing these challenges and advocated for a new deal for working people, including rights extension for gig workers.

The speaker made a maiden speech, celebrating the diversity and rich history of his constituency Huntingdon. He highlighted key achievements by his predecessor Jonathan Djanogly in flood alleviation projects, road infrastructure development including the A14 and A428, and setting conditions for future growth through the Cambridge cluster expansion. Obese-Jecty also emphasised the importance of supporting veterans' welfare, advocating for better access to services via a revamped veterans gateway. He expressed pride in representing Huntingdon's vibrant communities and its distinguished political heritage.

I have been preceded by many wonderful first speeches, particularly from the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) and my fellow Cumbrian representative, my hon. Friend the Member for Whitehaven and Workington (Josh MacAlister). I pay tribute to my predecessor, David Morris, who worked hard for Eden Project Morecambe, and also thank him for his efforts. I made a solemn promise to deliver Eden Project Morecambe and make it work for local people. I have gained parts of Westmorland from the hon. Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale (Tim Farron) and Lower Lune Valley ward from my hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster and Wyre (Cat Smith). I also pay tribute to Geraldine Smith, who is well regarded in the constituency. Morecambe and Lunesdale is a diverse area with its own needs and communities that should be respected and celebrated. As our new Government deliver their ambitious programme of national renewal, I will ensure that the voices of all my communities are heard. My aim as an MP is to serve my constituents well and welcome the Government’s plan to reform the bus system and support farming and rural communities. I also welcome the focus on service, integrity, and honesty in politics.

I am humbled by the privilege of representing North Down. My constituency includes Bangor, Crawfordsburn country park, historical sites like Bangor abbey, and golf courses including the Holywood golf club where Rory McIlroy honed his skills. The King’s Speech outlines plans to deliver economic prosperity and kick-start growth. I welcome the partnership approach with the Northern Ireland Assembly. Job growth in Northern Ireland is outpacing other parts of the UK, with median monthly wage growth positioning us fifth among 12 UK regions. North Down's trade primarily relies on the east-west axis with Great Britain, which enhances our economic quality of life. However, Queen’s Parade project has seen derelict land for decades, and there are issues like closed minor injuries units and potholed roads. The Northern Ireland protocol needs to be changed as it creates a de facto border in the Irish Sea, undermining UK integrity and causing political and social tensions. I appreciate the health service, Police Service of Northern Ireland, and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who tried to help my parents after their tragic fire.

I thank my constituents for re-electing me and speak positively about the opportunities that lie ahead. My constituency, Blackpool South, faces significant deprivation after years of Tory rule but now has a chance to benefit from new legislation aimed at improving lives. I highlight the need for public ownership of railways, devolution deals, addressing pollution issues, employment rights, community policing, football governance reforms, and supporting victims of violence against women. My constituents' resilience is evident in their fight against adversity.

I express gratitude for the opportunity to represent my newly formed constituency of Harpenden and Berkhamsted, a diverse area rich in history, natural beauty, and innovation. I discuss local environmental issues such as chalk stream preservation and railway decline. The constituency faces challenges like reduced healthcare access but also thrives with enterprising spirit and local businesses. My mission is to champion local people's needs, support families struggling economically, and ensure opportunities for everyone.

I am humbled to finally be elected as an MP after a long journey in party politics. I thank my parents and family for their support, especially my mother and father who inspired me with Labour values. I promise to fight for the interests of North Durham, a constituency that has returned Labour Members since 1906 but remains competitive. The area is rich in history and heritage, notably through its mining legacy and sites like Beamish museum. However, it faces significant challenges such as economic instability, welfare dependency, and underfunded public services. I urge the Government to address these issues with targeted investment and fair distribution of resources.

Notable for bringing the debate towards its conclusion by signalling the need for wind-ups, without providing specific contributions or arguments on the main topic.

Congratulates the hon. Member for North Durham on his maiden speech, welcomes new Ministers and Members, highlights health creation and wealth creation as interconnected goals, supports reforms to the Mental Health Act 1983 but calls for more action on social determinants of health including child poverty reduction, advocates for improved access to healthcare services with specific measures such as fixing hospitals, expanding mental health hubs, boosting GP numbers, legal rights for GP appointments within seven days, and addressing dental deserts. Emphasises the need to meet cancer treatment targets and demands a statutory duty on Ministers to ensure timely care. Stresses the importance of free personal care in social services, calls for better pay for care workers with improved investment, and proposes paid carer’s leave and recognition as a protected characteristic. Urges for cross-party talks to secure a stable financial footing for future social care provision. Advocates for lifelong learning and addresses SEND funding disparities across regions, criticises business rates system for high streets, particularly affecting heritage pubs while Amazon benefits from tax breaks. Supports the King's Speech measures but calls for greater ambition in these areas.

Congratulated all MPs who made their maiden speeches and discussed the economic legacy of the previous government, highlighting improvements in inflation, mortgage rates, real wages, taxes, debt, education, crime rates, employment, welfare, pensions, poverty levels. Criticised Labour's plans for nationalisation of railways and energy sector, and their approach to employment laws and trade unions. Also criticised Labour's lack of policies on welfare reform.

I have never seen the right hon. Member for Central Devon (Mel Stride) do a comic turn quite like that. Opposition clearly suits him, but if he wants to lead his party out of its catastrophic defeat, he will have to do a lot better. I am honoured to close today’s debate, not only as I am speaking from this side of the Dispatch Box for the first time, but after so many truly wonderful maiden speeches. Members from all parts of the House talked about the social, cultural and economic heritage of their constituencies and about the real challenges that their constituents face, but also their talents and potential for a brighter future, given that they have a Government who are on their side. This King’s Speech turns the page on the last 14 years of chaos and decline, and it takes the first steps towards national renewal, delivering growth in every part of the country, tearing down the barriers to opportunity and repairing our public services through investment and reform. Our plan starts with economic stability through the fiscal lock and our Budget responsibility Bill, so that we never again repeat the mistakes of the last Conservative Government, who crashed the economy, leaving working people to pay a heavy price. Our planning and infrastructure Bill will get Britain building again to deliver the homes and other infrastructure that our country needs. Our national wealth fund will unlock billions of pounds of private investment to support good jobs in clean energy and other growth industries of the future. First, on pensions, people who have worked hard and saved all their lives deserve a decent income in retirement. Although the previous Government talked about the need for pension reform, in reality there was little action. In contrast, we have acted immediately. Our new pensions Bill will bring together all the different pension savings that people build up across their working lives and drive better value for money in pension schemes. These measures could help improve incomes in retirement and boost pension pots by more than £11,000. Last week’s labour market statistics underline the truly dire inheritance we face. Britain is the only G7 country whose employment rate has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Some 9.4 million people are now economically inactive—either not in work, or not looking for work. That is one in five of the entire working age population. Of those people, 2.8 million are locked out of the workplace due to poor health. That includes over-50s, often women with bad hips, knees and joints—I know about that only too well—and young people with mental health problems, often lacking basic qualifications. One in eight of all our young people are not in education, employment or training. What a damning indictment of the last Government. But behind those statistics are real people, with real hopes and dreams, who were written off by the Tories, denied opportunities and support, and then blamed for the position they are in. Let me tell the House now that, under the new Labour Government, that will change. Our plan to get Britain working again will be a cross-Government effort to drive change and unleash opportunity in every corner of the country. We will create more good jobs in clean energy and through our modern industrial strategy. We will make work pay and improve the quality of work through our new deal for working people.