Ways and Means

Laura Trott Con

Sevenoaks

The debate focused on improving productivity, a theme close to the heart of Laura Trott. She highlighted that under the current government, private sector productivity increased by an average of 0.7% annually between 2010 and 2019, in contrast to a decline in public sector productivity during Labour's tenure. The Conservative Government’s plan aims to further improve productivity through investment in technology, such as NHS app and virtual wards. Despite the economic challenges posed by the pandemic and global conflicts, Trott asserted that the UK is turning a corner with inflation halved from 11% to 4%, real wage increases for seven months straight, and unemployment down from 8% in 2010 to 3.9% at the end of last year.

Alan Brown SNP

Dunfermline and West Fife

Challenged Laura Trott on cherry-picked statistics, pointing out that the UK has the lowest investment in the G7 and is the second worst performer in terms of economic growth post-pandemic.

Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op

Cardiff South and Penarth

Asked if the Office for Budget Responsibility's forecast that public sector debt measure will increase was correct, or whether the Chief Secretary to the Treasury’s calculations continue to suggest otherwise.

Steve McCabe

Followed up on Stephen Doughty's question by inquiring why the Government chose a debt measure excluding the Bank of England.

Clive Betts Lab

Sheffield South East

Inquired about the productivity plan for local government and how it could address the £4 billion deficit, particularly through reducing waste on equality, diversity, and inclusion. The TaxPayers' Alliance suggested this would save around £50 million over three years.

Christine Jardine Lib Dem

Edinburgh West

Highlighted that the 2p cut in national insurance had been offset by a freeze on income tax thresholds, leaving an average worker on £35,000 a year nearly £400 worse off compared to last year.

Clive Efford Lab

Eltham and Chislehurst

Asked about the potential for investment in radiotherapy as suggested by an all-party parliamentary group, which could help people diagnosed with cancer return to work sooner and more effectively.

Keir Mather Lab

Selby

Questioned whether the Government’s £46 billion ambition to scrap national insurance contributions was sustainable given that it had not been disclosed to the Office for Budget Responsibility, which prevents accurate economic forecasting.

Fleur Anderson Lab

Putney

Asked for clarification on an unspecified matter.

Rosie Winterton Lab

Before I call the shadow Secretary of State, I inform the House that we have 46 speakers this afternoon. I urge Back Benchers to stick to a maximum of seven minutes to start with; we will see whether that needs to be reduced later. That would be extremely helpful.

Darren Jones Lab

Bristol North West

The Labour MP criticises the Conservative government's Budget for increasing tax burdens, freezing tax thresholds, and proposing unfunded national insurance abolition. He also highlights the failure of growth forecasts and the impact on living standards compared to previous Labour governments.

Alan Brown

Asks about post-election cuts in the Budget and whether Labour will commit to maintaining them or finding alternative funding sources, questioning the lack of transparency from both parties.

Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op

Cardiff South and Penarth

Points out the inconsistency within the Government regarding the date for abolishing national insurance contributions, highlighting the chaos within Conservative ranks.

Steve Double

Questions if Darren Jones understands the difference between an ambition and a promise in relation to the proposed abolition of national insurance contributions.

Angus MacNeil

Corrects the Labour MP's statement about tax levels for those earning under £28,000, emphasising accuracy over political rhetoric.

Seema Malhotra Lab Co-op

Feltham and Heston

Supports the argument that real weekly earnings growth is significantly lower under Conservatives compared to Labour, while also pointing out high taxes and low living standards.

Tim Farron Lib Dem

Westmorland and Lonsdale

Requests review of visa rules affecting workforce capacity in rural hospitality businesses and allows local authorities to build social rented homes for affordable housing.

Ruth Jones Lab

Newport West and Islwyn

Asks the Conservatives to clarify whether their plan to abolish national insurance contributions will involve tax hikes, spending cuts, or borrowing, and highlights risks of economic instability.

Stephen Timms Lab

East Ham

Discusses fundamental questions about the future eligibility for state pensions if income taxes are raised to fund the abolition of national insurance contributions.

Andrew Jones Con

Harrogate and Knaresborough

Mr. Jones discussed the positive aspects of the Budget, highlighting upward revisions to growth forecasts by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). He noted the low unemployment rate in Harrogate and Knaresborough at 1.9%, which is matched in other parts of the country. Mr. Jones emphasised the significant increase in employment since 2010, with over 4 million more people on payrolls, a halving of unemployment, and an additional 1 million businesses in the UK compared to 2010. He also pointed out that while productivity lags behind Germany's by 16%, the UK is still outgrowing it. Mr. Jones welcomed the Budget’s focus on improving public and private sector productivity through investment. He highlighted the increase in business investment, which has risen to 10.6% of GDP, a 14% increase from under Labour. Additionally, he mentioned the importance of investing in IT infrastructure for both justice and healthcare sectors to address productivity issues.

Angus MacNeil SNP

Na h-Eileanan an Iar

During Mr. Jones' speech, Angus MacNeil interjected to criticise the government's benefits system, suggesting that policies like the two-child cap contribute significantly to poverty issues in Wales and hinder educational outcomes.

Richard Thomson SNP

Banff and Buchan

The UK faces three major challenges: energy security, climate crisis, and cost of living. The current Budget does not address these issues adequately. Since 2010, the Conservative government has had numerous economic strategies and changes in leadership but failed to improve productivity significantly. Productivity is around 20% lower than that of France or Germany despite long working hours. Labour's tax policy in Scotland demonstrates a different approach with benefits for citizens. The Budget's national insurance cut will lead to public service cuts, as warned by the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Investment in infrastructure and public services has been insufficient due to austerity measures post-2008 financial crisis. Further cuts to the Scottish Government’s capital budget are expected under this Budget. Research and development investment is uneven across regions. The energy profits levy decision undermines Scottish Conservative promises, and increasing taxes could harm industry investment and jobs. Labour's renewable energy policy is criticised for being inconsistent.

Darren Jones Lab

Bristol North West

Welcomed the opportunity to intervene but emphasised that this debate should focus on the Conservative Budget at Westminster rather than issues related to the SNP government in Scotland.

Dean Russell Con

Watford

Russell discussed the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, emphasising both opportunities and risks. He asked for a data donor scheme to be developed, ensuring that people know when they are using AI tools such as chatbots.

Barry Sheerman Lab

Huddersfield

Sheerman reflected on his long-standing experience in the House and criticised the Budget for failing to address two critical issues: climate change and defence spending. He argued that there was no mention of these crucial areas, despite their importance for the future security and well-being of the nation.

Jane Hunt Con

Loughborough

Welcomed the increase in VAT registration threshold to £90,000 from April 2024 as it supports SMEs and reduces administrative burdens. Emphasised the importance of public sector productivity programme with cutting-edge technology pilot for a more efficient state operation. Raised concerns about data protection laws hindering police-crown prosecution service cooperation and proposed legal changes to improve efficiency.

Kate Hollern Lab

Blackburn

Critiqued the lack of investment in public services, noting the £1.6 billion funding gap for local government in 2024-25. Highlighted social care and NHS issues due to rising costs and demand pressures. Called for sustainable long-term funding solutions for palliative and end-of-life care, emphasising the decline in essential public services under Conservative Government.

Derek Thomas Con

St Ives

Emphasises the importance of productivity, aspiration, skills and housing security. Supports tax cuts to increase disposable income for workers and small businesses. Highlights the need for training opportunities for older people and investment in agriculture, renewables and manufacturing. Advocates for fairer access to affordable homes.

George Galloway Ind

Bethnal Green and Bow

Criticises the Budget as inadequate and lacking substance. Laments the decline of Rochdale due to government neglect and insufficient local services. Highlights issues such as lack of maternity care, A&E facilities, and ambulance response times. Criticises both major parties for their economic policies.

James Wild Con

North West Norfolk

The Budget delivers tax cuts for working people, helps motorists to keep costs down, boosts small businesses, supports families, invests in the NHS and improving public services. It includes a national insurance cut benefiting 29 million people, increased national living wage by almost 10%, freezing fuel duty rates for the 14th year in a row, increasing VAT threshold for small firms to £90,000 a year.

Valerie Vaz Lab

Walsall and Bloxwich

The Chancellor's measures are insufficient. No mention of hedge fund managers' profits or water companies' illegal sewage dumping. There was nothing for the high street to help retailers compete with online businesses, nor support for local government schools struggling with staffing issues and dilapidated buildings. The legal system is shaky due to a lack of duty solicitors and small law firms struggling. NHS suffers from funding shortages for GP practices and waste in management. Labour would fund additional roles, deal with waste, work with private sector on the national wealth fund and green finance initiative.

Maggie Throup Con

Erewash

Emphasises the importance of public health measures in boosting productivity, welcoming changes to child benefit and reductions in national insurance. Supports government measures to discourage smoking and vaping among children. Advocates for tax relief on sunscreen to reduce skin cancer costs. Proposes infrastructure improvements for Erewash's roads and transportation network. Highlights investment in cultural events and facilities as a boost to the local economy. Praises the Chancellor’s commitment to maintaining the triple lock pension system.

Ronnie Cowan Lab

Inverclyde

Mr. Cowan criticised the Government's approach to managing water and flood management, advocating for natural methods such as re-establishing peatland. He also called for investment in hemp production to address environmental issues, decarbonise energy, reduce plastic waste, and boost local economies.

Richard Drax Con

South Dorset

Mr. Drax expressed disappointment with the Budget, particularly regarding compensation for victims of the infected blood scandal, reliance on foreign energy imports, and underfunding of armed forces. He also criticised tax policies that could increase income taxes for pensioners and called for a more pragmatic approach to net zero.

Nickie Aiken

The Chancellor’s Budget promotes a pragmatic approach to growing the economy through improved productivity and lower taxes. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the energy crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UK has seen one of the strongest recoveries in G7 countries. The Government provided £40 billion in support for increased energy bills. Closing tax loopholes such as abolishing the furnished holiday lettings tax regime is welcomed, as it levels the playing field for long-term landlords and benefits young people struggling with rising rents. The Chancellor’s recognition of the importance of culture by providing over £1 billion in additional tax relief to the creative industries over five years is a positive step forward. Public sector productivity reforms are also necessary to ensure better value for taxpayers’ money, as seen in projects like Barts hospital's remote patient monitoring system. Tax-free shopping for overseas visitors could attract millions more tourists and stimulate an extra £2.8 billion in spending.

Mohammad Yasin Lab

Bedford

The Budget does not address the rising costs of living, fails to help those in poverty, ignores pensioners and young people, neglects defence spending, and does not plan for public service expenditure. The country is worse off with high taxes and low economic growth.

David Simmonds Con

Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner

Welcomes the Budget's focus on lower income households through the triple lock for pensioners and incentives for employment. Highlights improvements in consumer spending trends among moderate-income earners and encourages investment through full expensing to raise productivity.

Margaret Greenwood Lab

Wirral West

This Budget has failed to address the acute challenges that our country is facing. After 14 years of Conservative rule, we have appalling levels of poverty and inequality, with more than 14 million people in the UK living in poverty, including over 2 million pensioners and 4 million children, many experiencing destitution. The Chancellor's treatment of pensioners was shameful as they will be substantial net losers from the Budget, losing £650 a year by 2027 and up to £3,000 if higher rate tax payers. Local authority funding has been decimated under the Conservatives with Wirral seeing a real-terms drop in settlement funding of 28.6% between 2015-16 and 2023-24. Services for young people dropped by 54%, there are fewer police officers, firefighters, and legal aid contracts in Merseyside and Wirral, leaving communities high and dry.

Peter Aldous Con

Waveney

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is quite right to focus on improving UK’s economic activity with measures such as reducing national insurance contributions, increasing child benefit threshold, and investing in renewable energy projects (£1 billion for renewable electricity auction allocation round 6), automotive and aerospace industries (£270 million combined Government and industry investment), and green industries growth accelerator (£120 million). However, concerns over the extension of the sunset clause on the energy profits levy could deter vital investment in offshore wind, carbon capture, and hydrogen. I also share doubts about abolishing the furnished letting concession as it is a vital part of local economies in rural areas where there are limited job-creating opportunities.

Dan Carden Lab

Liverpool Walton

It is important to note that, had pre-2008 levels of growth been maintained, GDP per head would be 39% higher than it is today. People are poorer, and so is the state. We are on a long road of stagnation, decline and diminished capacity. It is a disaster for our constituents. The dignity of work has to be at the centre of our agenda. Full employment, education and training are vital but, without an industrial strategy, it alone will not get to the heart of the matter. National renewal requires what every Government since Margaret Thatcher’s Government have found unthinkable—an industrial strategy that engages the energy of the public sector and the private sector in partnership with the people of this country. We must think the unthinkable, look beyond finance and the City of London, and look out to the country. The stakes are high indeed.

Steve Double

No Budget is delivered in a vacuum. Given some of the comments from Opposition Members, particularly the shadow Minister, I wonder whether they have been asleep for the past few years. During the past few years, our economy has had two of the biggest shocks we will ever live through. The Government have had to step in to support jobs, businesses and households, and have spent almost half a trillion pounds to do so. That is the context in which this Budget has been delivered. In the light of that context, the Chancellor did an incredible job delivering a Budget that was able to cut national insurance by 2p. Thousands of people in work in my constituency will welcome that because they will be up to £450 a year better off. I simply ask the Treasury to index link it, so that it goes up every year. Raising the VAT threshold will also be hugely welcomed by many small businesses that I represent. There was much to be welcomed in this Budget. In fact, I was deeply honoured to get a mention from the Chancellor, as he addressed the issue of the inequality in the tax system between residential landlords and short-term holiday lets. More support for the tourism sector would be very welcome, and I will continue to press the case for that. This exciting opportunity to create well-paid jobs, to raise the average wages available in Cornwall and to give those young people the careers of the future is something that we need to grasp.

Yvonne Fovargue Lab

Merseyside

Welcomed the extension to the household support fund but criticised it as inadequate given the scale of the problem. Stated that increasing repayment periods for budgeting advances is helpful, yet millions still face unaffordable deductions from universal credit. Emphasised the need for more fundamental solutions such as a council tax support scheme and social tariff for energy. Called for major changes to debt solutions, including scrapping up-front fees and offering debt relief orders but highlighted the need for additional funding for debt advice. Suggested reducing creditors' reliance on bailiffs due to their high fees and argued for a fairer system that prioritises affordable payment plans. Advocated for a holistic approach across Government Departments to address the causes of debt and prevent people from falling into it in the first place.

Angus MacNeil SNP

Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Mr MacNeil mentioned the impact of austerity measures on society, with food banks and child poverty being prevalent. He also highlighted a link between pupil behaviour in classrooms and hunger due to DWP policy and spending choices. Furthermore, he criticised the Chancellor George Osborne's misunderstanding of debt to GDP ratio which led to short-termism rather than investment.

Sam Tarry Lab

North Down

This Budget does nothing to address economic issues caused by 14 years of Conservative and coalition governance. It includes £20 billion cuts from public services, tax reductions favouring the wealthiest, increased child poverty due to austerity policies, malnutrition among children, higher food bank usage, over 330,000 excess deaths linked to austerity measures, weak economic growth since 2010, and low productivity levels.

Zarah Sultana Lab

Coventry South

Fourteen years of Tory Governments and austerity have decimated communities with cut public services. Schools and hospitals are crumbling; youth centres, women’s shelters, and libraries have closed due to billions in Government cuts. Workers' wages lower than 2008; living standards set for worst decline since WWII; nurses use food banks; teachers, doctors leaving professions. Wealth of richest increased threefold since 2010 while UK billionaires saw wealth triple. Over one-third of children in poverty in Coventry South with more affected by cruel two-child benefit limit. Local council budgets cut over £1 billion in Coventry.

Navendu Mishra Lab

Stockport

Discussed housing issues in Stockport, noting that the waiting list for social housing has increased and the council is building fewer homes than needed. He highlighted buy-to-rent developments increasing average rental rates and affecting community fabric. Also mentioned cuts to local schools funding leading to significant reductions per pupil and overall spending power. Raised concerns about rising prescription charges impacting low-income individuals and outdated exemption lists. Emphasised the need for reform in business rates penalizing pubs and other bricks-and-mortar businesses.

Lyn Brown

Critiqued the government's budget, emphasising severe issues with homelessness in West Ham where one in twenty families are trapped in overcrowded temporary housing. Pointed out that homelessness in temporary accommodation has risen by 10% and rough sleeping by 27%, affecting children significantly through school displacement and homework disruptions. Criticised the ending of a scheme allowing councils to use receipts from social home sales to build replacements, cutting £200 million for new social homes. Also highlighted rising taxes with worsening public services, long patient waiting times in healthcare, high mortgage rates, and inflationary pressures causing financial strain on citizens.

Marion Fellows

The spring Budget targets economically inactive individuals, including many disabled people, causing fear and distress. Studies show that forced work often leads to poor-paid gig economy jobs without proper sick pay, pushing them back into inadequate benefits. The OBR report indicates a reduction in money spent per person on frontline services for the disabled. Carers have also been left disappointed with a lack of long-term sustainable funding for social care. Levels of poverty and financial hardship are rising, and a six-month grace period for the household support fund is not enough; it must be made permanent. The Budget failed to support households, businesses, and public services, leaving the most vulnerable unsupported.

Stephen Timms Lab

East Ham

Stephen Timms expressed his relief that the Chancellor did not commit to pursuing the 'lifetime pension pot' model, highlighting concerns from trade bodies about its potential costs and complexity. He emphasised the importance of maintaining a cross-party consensus on pensions policy and urged for progress in implementing auto-enrolment recommendations. Timms also supported extending the household support fund beyond September and advocated for making it permanent to assist families during the cost of living crisis.

Clive Efford Lab

Eltham

Clive Efford criticised the Conservative government's tax policies, noting that tax increases since 2019 have led to a significant drop in living standards. He highlighted concerns over proposed cuts to national insurance and their potential impact on public services. Efford also discussed the negative effects of increased council taxes and reductions in school funding per pupil. Additionally, he addressed the delayed compensation for victims of the contaminated blood scandal.

Preet Kaur Gill Lab Co-op

Birmingham Edgbaston

The west midlands, my home region, has immense potential but has been let down by the government's economic mismanagement over the past 14 years. The budget revealed that living standards have fallen for the first time in modern history due to rising taxes and falling growth. GDP per person is set to shrink this year following a decrease last year. Since 2010, people in Stoke-on-Trent are £7,360 worse off, while those in Coventry are nearly £9,000 poorer. Productivity levels have dropped to their lowest since the industrial revolution, and there was no proper plan for growth or addressing regional inequality in the Budget last week.

Helen Hayes Lab

Dulwich and West Norwood

For nine years as an MP and councillor, I have seen Conservative-led Governments making my constituents poorer and undermining services. The coalition Government slashed two thirds of the budget for building new social homes and imposed restrictions on social rents. Decisions like changing the definition of 'affordable' housing and not banning section 21 evictions have deepened the housing crisis. Productivity is affected by poor housing, impacting health, education, safety, and care, making it clear that nothing is better than it was in 2010 under Conservative-led government. The budget announcement on housing (£20 million for community-led housing) does not solve the pervasive housing crisis.

Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op

Cardiff South and Penarth

The speeches from the Government Benches indicate a lack of ideas, time, and connection with reality. The constituents in Cardiff South and Penarth face significant financial struggles due to rising mortgage or rent costs, stagnant wages, and high prices for essential goods. Community organisations such as Splott Community Volunteers and the Salvation Army are overwhelmed by demand for services. Homelessness is prevalent due to poor housing policies under the Conservative Government over 14 years. Businesses express a need for certainty and leadership but experience chaos and revolving door of Ministers, limiting their ability to invest and grow. The economy faces stagnation and recession with high debt, taxes, interest rates, and inflation while public services have been cut. The Labour plan advocates for green transition investments, support for creative industries, infrastructure development like the south Wales main line, proper funding for policing in capital cities, certainty for businesses through an industrial strategy, tax clarity, and leadership.

Jamie Stone Lib Dem

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

Personal experience of losing electricity during a storm nine years ago highlights the fundamental importance of warmth to life. Constituents in Caithness and Sutherland face extreme cold temperatures, poor insulation, smaller incomes, and higher electricity costs compared to other parts of the UK. Emphasises the need for addressing unfairness in heating costs. During covid, it was known that keeping warm aids recovery; good health is about having warmth which maximises productivity. Argues against a discount system based on proximity to wind farms as this would not help those not near such facilities.

Nia Griffith Lab

Llanelli

The Chancellor's Budget is deceptive, as it presents tax cuts while increasing the overall tax burden to its highest level in 70 years. The freezing of tax thresholds has resulted in an additional 3.7 million people paying taxes and many more moving into higher tax brackets due to inflation outpacing wages. Inflation continues to rise, impacting food, energy costs, mortgages, and rents. Additionally, cuts to council tax budgets have devolved economic woes further, with Welsh councils receiving £3 billion less than if they had grown with GDP since 2010. Living standards have declined sharply, and more people are turning to food banks due to rampant inflation. The economy has seen seven consecutive quarters of falling GDP per capita and a recession. Growth failures stem from austerity measures in 2011 and the disastrous mini-Budget in autumn 2022. A Labour Government would slash energy bills for households and industry, invest in green technologies, and develop primary green steelmaking.

Keir Mather Lab

Selby

The Budget is impotent and self-aggrandising, with no real plan for growth. The central claim that working people will be better off is dishonest; families in Selby will lose £870 due to the tax burden rising to its highest level in 70 years. There are no meaningful public services to support business growth or productivity. Public services are desperate for funding, but this Chancellor plans to reduce real per capita spending by 13% between 2024-25 and 2028-29, amounting to £19 billion in cuts. The announcement of the £105 million for new special educational needs and disabilities schools is positive; however, this does not make up for the overall lack of support for public services. There is a missed opportunity to do what is right and achieve the growth we need.

Beth Winter PC

Cynon Valley

The Budget neglects Wales, leading to cuts in services and pay. It benefits the wealthy but harms public services and living standards, especially in areas with a history of industrial extraction like Cynon Valley. The Welsh Government requested more fiscal flexibility and investment but was ignored. The legacy of neoliberal policies has damaged communities. Services are being cut, wages stagnate, and there's an increase in food bank usage due to rising energy bills and cost-of-living crisis. The speaker calls for a wealth tax and better public sector pay. She advocates for an economy that prioritises people and the planet over profits.

Simon Lightwood Lab Co-op

Wakefield and Rothwell

The Budget reveals the Tory Government's lack of ideas, with flatlining economy and falling living standards. It has increased taxes on working people while delivering meagre benefits. The speaker criticises 25 Tory tax rises since the last election and notes that households are £870 worse off under this Government. He highlights economic decline, national debt increase, real pay stagnation, mortgage cost rise, and unfunded tax cuts promised by Tories. Services like NHS dentistry and education infrastructure suffer from neglect. The speaker calls for a Labour government to promote economic growth, improve work conditions, support businesses, and initiate change through a general election.

Alan Brown SNP

Central Ayrshire

Labour Members are criticised for discussing unfunded Tory tax cuts while not offering any alternative. Productivity is a critical issue that the UK struggles with, and the belief that tax cuts for the rich boost productivity has no evidence supporting it. Increased productivity requires strategic investment rather than focusing on cutting taxes for the wealthy. The UK's GDP growth is lagging compared to other G7 nations due to poor economic planning. Renewable energy investments have been undermined by Brexit and lack of incentives for local content, leading to offshoring of billions in investment. Cuts to Scottish Government budgets exacerbate issues with infrastructure development. Labour’s adherence to the Tories’ spending rules will likely result in further austerity measures if they come into power.

Sarah Edwards Lab

Tamworth

Constituents are struggling under a Conservative government, facing high tax burdens and deteriorating public services. The current Parliament has seen record-high taxes with no improvement in living standards. Local councils claim there are no homeless people, yet data from food banks shows over 80 households without fixed addresses. Businesses on flood-prone areas highlight the Government's poor management of resources for the Environment Agency. Levelling-up funding has left high streets damaged due to inflationary rises and rushed spending deadlines. HS2 project is criticised as a waste of £92 billion with no real benefits, and public services are at breaking point after years of austerity.

Richard Foord Lib Dem

Honiton and Sidmouth

The Liberal Democrat MP criticised the recent budget, highlighting its lack of support for frontline NHS services and care infrastructure. He emphasised that residents in Devon are frustrated with crumbling roads and a government unable to address these issues effectively. The funding allocated for road maintenance was deemed insufficient by both local officials and the MP, who pointed out significant reductions in road improvement work over the past five years under Conservative leadership. Foord argued that investment in infrastructure is crucial for economic activity in rural areas, and he stressed the importance of addressing public service needs rather than focusing on short-term fixes.

Fleur Anderson Lab

Putney

Anderson highlighted the lack of support for high streets and youth centres in her constituency within the budget. She focused on the need to boost green skills as a means to improve productivity and address the climate crisis. The Labour MP pointed out significant shortages in skilled workers required for renewable energy sectors like heat pumps and offshore wind, criticising the government's failure to provide new policies to bolster these areas. Anderson emphasised the importance of aligning net zero investments with employment systems and highlighted initiatives such as South Thames College’s green skills courses and Treadlighter solar company as proactive responses to demand in her constituency.

Ruth Jones Lab

Newport West and Islwyn

I am pleased to speak on behalf of the people of Newport West, condemning a bad Budget that does nothing for my constituents. Since my election in 2019, child poverty rates have remained at around 15%, unchanged. The UK has the highest tax burden in 70 years, with taxes rising every year under the Tories’ plan. My constituents struggle to heat their homes, feed their families and pay mortgages due to a lack of meaningful action by the Government to mitigate cost-of-living pressures. I urge Ministers to take real action.

Tulip Siddiq Lab

Hampstead and Highgate

The Budget was the last gasp of a dying, desperate Government doing nothing to address 14 years of Conservative economic failure. Families face higher tax burdens, food prices up by 25%, rents by 10%. Nothing in the Chancellor's speech changes this reality: living standards will be the worst on record under the Tories. Real pay has only risen £17 a week over almost 15 years; when Labour was last in power, wages rose by £183 per week. The country is now in recession with Government debt at £2.6 trillion.

Yvonne Fovargue Lab

Makerfield

Concerned about vulnerable citizens' access to credit, Yvonne Fovargue welcomed the extension of the household support fund but questioned its permanence.

Stephen Timms Lab

East Ham

Welcomed the decision to extend the household support fund, though he raised questions about making it permanent and the impact on vulnerable citizens.

Dan Carden Lab

Liverpool, Walton

Asked about real household incomes since 2010, which have increased by 8% according to the Government. Dan Carden emphasised the need for further action to help those who are struggling.

Peter Dowd Lab

Bootle

Asked about the commitment to abolish national insurance contributions and questioned the Government's plan for a £46 billion unfunded tax cut, pressing for clarity on whether it is still the Prime Minister’s plan.

Darren Jones Lab

Bristol North West

Responded that abolishing national insurance contributions at a cut of £46 billion a year with no plan to pay for it was morally abhorrent, challenging the Government to provide funding details.

Alan Brown SNP

Kilmarnock and Loudoun

Asked about future cuts to public services totalling £20 billion from the autumn statement, pressing the Minister to clarify what actions will be taken regarding this cut.

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