Economic Growth

Roger Gale Con

Herne Bay and Sandwich

I inform the House that Mr Speaker has selected amendment (m) in the name of the Leader of the Opposition. I call Rachel Reeves.

Alan Brown Lab

Chester North

Interjects to ask about support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting on constituents' values.

Samantha Dixon Lab

Chester North and Neston

Supports the notion that economic growth forecasts indicate a downturn under the Conservatives, highlighting concerns over living standards.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Compliments the MP for emphasising the potential of the life sciences sector and agrees on distributing benefits across the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland.

Andrew Western Lab

Stretford and Urmston

Agrees that Conservative policies since 2010 have weakened public services like the NHS and local councils, underscoring the need for Labour's approach to economic responsibility.

Clive Betts Lab

Sheffield South East

Notes the absence of any housing proposals in the King’s Speech, expressing disbelief at the lack of long-term plans addressing Britain's housing shortage and rising costs.

Jack Brereton

Questions Labour's stance on green belt land protection, reflecting constituents' concerns over potential construction impacts.

Jeremy Hunt Con

Godalming and Ash

The Chancellor argued against Labour's economic policies, highlighting growth despite fiscal restraint. He also addressed issues like small modular reactors, renewable energy investment, buy now pay later regulation, food and energy costs, tax burden distribution, poverty reduction through employment, and steel industry concerns.

Clive Betts Lab

Sheffield South East

Asked the Chancellor about delays in SMR decision-making for Sheffield Forgemasters and ITM Power's international competitiveness issues with Germany’s investment in green hydrogen technology.

Alan Brown

Critiqued the UK's falling attractiveness for renewable energy investments compared to countries like India, China, and Australia. Highlighted the failure of offshore wind allocation round 5 and questioned the viability of SMRs.

Stella Creasy Lab Co-op

Walthamstow

Asked about regulation of buy now pay later lenders during the cost of living crisis, noting a doubling in usage despite no new regulations from the Government.

Christine Jardine Lib Dem

Edinburgh West

Inquired if the Chancellor understands why families feel the Government is out of touch due to lack of measures for food and energy costs in the King's Speech.

Steve McCabe

Asked what the minimum wage would be worth now had Conservatives not attempted to undermine its introduction under Labour.

Debbie Abrahams Lab

Oldham East and Saddleworth

Questioned if a tax burden of 25.5% for the lowest income decile compared to 12.5% for the highest is fair, challenging the Chancellor's economic fairness argument.

Henry Smith

Asked about reflections on every Labour Government leaving office with higher unemployment than when they took over, supporting the idea that work is best way to eliminate poverty.

Holly Mumby-Croft

Requested reassurance for steelworkers in Scunthorpe regarding government focus and action on the industry.

Drew Hendry SNP

Inverness N & Ross

The SNP spokesperson criticised the King's Speech for not addressing the cost of living crisis adequately and highlighted the need for independence and a return to the European Union. He pointed out that Westminster policies have led to economic stagnation, poverty, and destitution in Scotland. The Scottish Government has implemented measures such as freezing council tax and providing free school meals to alleviate the situation, but these are limited under devolution. Hendry emphasised the importance of energy resources in Scotland and criticised the lack of action by Westminster on fuel poverty despite abundant natural resources.

Harriett Baldwin Con

West Worcestershire

We are discussing the first King’s Speech in 70 years, which is a significant moment for our constitution. The world has become increasingly dangerous, with conflicts around NATO and mischief aimed at stirring up more trouble. As a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I advocate for unity among NATO countries and the inclusion of new members such as Sweden, Finland, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. It is essential that Putin understands that annexing neighbouring territories will only bring more NATO nations to his borders. The Gracious Speech did not distract much from economic matters; those discussions are expected in next week’s autumn statement. I am pleased with the Chancellor's emphasis on increasing economic growth, reducing inflation, easing cost-of-living pressures for families, and supporting businesses to create jobs and investments. These measures will improve household finances, reduce public sector debt, and secure our country's financial future. We anticipate a milestone in reducing inflation as market expectations suggest the consumer prices index will drop to 4.7%. There has also been significant progress in addressing low pay, with less than 10% of new workers classified as low paid due to the national living wage. However, there was an omission regarding constitutional sexism; no steps were announced to end the exclusive 'men only' hereditary peerages.

Alistair Strathern Lab

Hitchin

It is an honour to speak in this debate following a long by-election campaign. The community seeks change for stability and future planning, rather than constant worry over setbacks. There are memories of supportive friendships and experiences. Tribute is paid to Nadine Dorries for breaking barriers. A warm welcome back to the former Prime Minister as he returns to frontline politics. Mid Beds has 48 towns and villages with great potential for research and tourism. However, residents face challenges such as long GP wait times, mortgage rate increases, and delays in education and health assessments.

Clive Betts Lab

Sheffield South East

Highlights the housing crisis, criticises the removal of housing targets from local areas and lack of private sector capacity to build homes. Emphasises the need for social housing provision through housing associations and councils, stresses the impact of rising mortgage costs on affordability. Criticises government's failure to address levelling up and inequality across regions.

Debbie Abrahams Lab

Oldham East and Saddleworth

Critiqued the Conservative Government's economic policies over the past 13 years, highlighting widening inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic. Discussed regional health disparities and their economic implications, advocating for cross-departmental collaboration to address these issues through fair funding formulas. Emphasised the importance of social security support and called on the Chancellor to increase such support in line with inflation to reduce poverty and inequality.

Priti Patel Con

Witham

I congratulate His Majesty on delivering the King’s Speech and emphasise the need for ambitious fiscal measures to tackle inflation. I support the reduction in fuel duty, maintaining a business rates freeze, and reforms to lower costs for businesses. I urge the Government to maintain competitiveness by reassessing OECD plans for corporation tax. I also advocate for simplifying income tax and promoting economic freedom through lowering taxes. I call for infrastructure investment, particularly on road dualling and expanding railway lines in Essex. Concerns about pylons and the Winser review need addressing.

Steve McCabe Lab

Birmingham Selly Oak

I criticise the lack of a clear strategy to raise economic growth, highlighting concerns over inflation rates and interest rate rises damaging living standards. I point out the Government's failure to secure steel production in Scunthorpe. I emphasise the negative impact of tax rises on families and public services like schools and the NHS. I welcome actions against drip pricing and subscription traps but call for fairer taxes, improved high street security, and better support for businesses struggling with costs and skill shortages.

Stella Creasy Lab Co-op

Walthamstow

Critiqued the King’s Speech, arguing that it does not address deep-seated issues such as lack of growth and societal inequality. Highlighted challenges faced by young people in securing apprenticeships and university placements due to sluggish productivity and inadequate government investment. Discussed negative impacts of Brexit on exports, trade, food prices, and tourism industry. Called for decriminalisation of abortion and regulation of buy now pay later lenders. Stressed the need for better childcare policies and tackling private finance initiative deals.

Sarah Olney Lib Dem

Richmond Park

Critiqued the lack of economic growth under the Conservative government, highlighting tax breaks for big banks while others suffer. Called for a clear industrial strategy to boost investment in green technologies and job creation. Noted the absence of legislation addressing the NHS crisis or sewage pollution issues.

Selaine Saxby Con

North Devon

Saxby emphasised the economic importance of tourism and hospitality in North Devon, noting a recent 20% drop in visitor numbers. She called for the Treasury to maintain business rate discounts and reverse Osborne tax reforms to level the playing field between long-term and short-term rentals. Saxby also addressed misconceptions about beach water quality and criticised local council policies that hinder economic development.

Chi Onwurah Lab

Newcastle upon Tyne Central

Onwurah criticised the Government's economic policy, highlighting low growth forecasts and high taxes. She described social issues such as youth housing struggles, business late payments, pensioner choices between heating and eating, and rising food bank use. Onwurah proposed Labour plans for business rates reform, energy markets improvement, planning system changes, and green industrial manufacturing to boost the economy.

Rob Roberts Con

Delyn

It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central as we debate long-term economic growth in all parts of the United Kingdom. The sentiment that north-east Wales and my constituency feel invisible and forgotten by both Westminster and Cardiff Bay needs addressing with tailored policies and investments. We need infrastructure development, improved access to education and skills training, and targeted support for local businesses and industries. I will first touch on the Flintshire and Wrexham investment zone bid, which holds immense importance and significance as it joins forces to unlock potential. This bid is being spearheaded by local industry and partnership, especially Joanna Swash from Moneypenny in Wrexham. The impact of the investment zone bid may be transformative to the region, generating direct employment and creating a ripple effect fostering entrepreneurship. Devolution has been holding back Wales; it has been in power for 26 years with outcomes worse than before. I shall table a Bill to allow a referendum to take place to get rid of devolution in Wales as soon as the parliamentary schedule allows. Returning power to Westminster does not mean abandoning Welsh identity and heritage but would allow for a more cohesive approach to governance, focusing on outcomes rather than process.

Joanna Cherry SNP

Edinburgh South West

The way this Government run the economy does not work for the vast majority of people who live in Scotland or across the UK. Many constituents cannot afford to pay their energy bills, and record numbers are struggling with food, energy, and housing costs. The King’s Speech lacked any tangible policies to help struggling households. Climate change and the cost of living crisis are the biggest challenges we face; the failure to tackle them is a gross dereliction of duty. We have heard much about oil licences, but this will not increase energy security for the UK or lower bills for my constituents. The UK Government’s enthusiasm for drilling oil and gas in the North Sea shows they lied during the 2014 independence referendum when they said the oil was running out. There are no meaningful plans for a just transition; Scotland needs a green new deal involving public planning, organised and implemented by public bodies. This would tackle cold homes through insulation and retrofitting combined with land reform to reforest and expand biodiversity. District heating systems could be provided using solar, thermal, and geothermal systems, storing heat from summer for winter use.

Jack Brereton Con

Stoke-on-Trent Central

Discussed the Government’s commitment to delivering for Stoke-on-Trent, including support for the ceramics industry through free trade and addressing energy security. Highlighted the importance of digital industries in gaming and welcomed measures to safeguard small firms from bigger players. Called for further investment in town centres, planning reforms, public transport, rail infrastructure improvements, and safety initiatives.

Cat Smith Lab

Lancaster and Wyre

Critiqued the lack of action on cost of living crisis, pet theft legislation, conversion therapy ban, housing shortages, rural bus services, active travel, NHS treatment delays, childcare affordability, student cost of living crisis, reliable broadband access in rural areas, redress for sodium valproate victims, and network canal renovation. Emphasised the need for democracy and public engagement.

Peter Aldous Con

Waveney

To deliver enduring economic growth, we need to address the cost of living crisis, build more houses, particularly for social rent, create new jobs in renewables sector, invest in infrastructure and secure coastal communities from extreme weather. Net zero must be seen as an opportunity to revitalise coastal communities with fiscal incentives for port infrastructure investment.

Mike Kane Lab

Wythenshawe and Sale East

The Government’s plan is not working, with flatlining growth and poor economic forecasts. Labour proposes faster infrastructure approval, investment in future industries, home ownership increase, and living standards raise. The levelling-up fund rejected bids from Wythenshawe and Sale for regeneration projects.

Sally-Ann Hart Con

Hastings and Rye

Emphasised the importance of technical and vocational education for young people, especially in coastal communities like Hastings. Highlighted challenges such as higher levels of educational deprivation and an increasing number of NEETs. Advocated for a focus on apprenticeships and skills development that align with local employment needs, particularly in engineering and manufacturing. Called for more investment in renewable energy industries and affordable housing to support economic growth. Also stressed the need for improved transport connections.

Preet Kaur Gill Lab Co-op

Birmingham Edgbaston

Disappointed by the lack of serious agenda on planning, infrastructure and growth in the King’s Speech. Criticised Conservative choices leading to low economic growth, skyrocketing mortgages, soaring prices, crumbling public services and house building at its lowest rate since WWII. Highlighted constituents’ struggles with high rent and poor housing conditions. Emphasised HS2 project failures and the need for a national mission to get Britain building again.

Elliot Colburn

Welcomed parts of the King’s Speech such as the Media Bill, draft rail reform Bill, Renters (Reform) Bill, Sentencing Bill, and Victims and Prisoners Bill. Emphasised the importance of economic growth for funding public services. Called for better rail connections in Carshalton and Wallington. Highlighted concerns over online scams and violent crime. Supported restorative justice to break reoffending cycles.

Richard Burgon Lab

Leeds East

Addressed the crisis in Gaza, emphasising the need for a humanitarian ceasefire and called upon the Government to use its influence to secure such a ceasefire. He stated that over 11,000 people in Gaza and more than 1,200 Israelis have been killed after just five weeks of conflict.

Kate Kniveton

Welcomed the King’s Speech which sets out long-term measures to safeguard the country's future. She highlighted the importance of improving infrastructure in her constituency and welcomed investment in the A50/A500 corridor, which would improve connectivity, create jobs, drive innovation, and reduce emissions.

Emma Lewell-Bonner Lab

South Shields

Critiqued the King’s Speech for its lack of measures to address poverty and destitution in the UK. She highlighted concerns raised by UN special rapporteurs about austerity policies causing 'great misery'. She also addressed issues such as free school meals and holiday activities programmes, and emphasised the high rates of child poverty in her area.

Antony Higginbotham Con

Burnley

Emphasises the importance of economic growth for communities, highlighting local businesses in Burnley and Padiham. Mentions the signing of trade deals with Australia, New Zealand, and Vietnam as opportunities for British business expansion. Discusses levelling-up funding secured for his constituency and its impact on employment and infrastructure. Urges further focus on reducing unemployment and improving road conditions.

Stephen Kinnock Lab

Aberavon

Critiques the current government's economic policies, pointing out failures in public services and high costs for working people. Discusses low private investment and regional imbalance caused by Tory neglect. Proposes a Labour plan focusing on sustained G7 growth and becoming a clean energy superpower. Highlights opportunities in floating offshore wind and steel industry in South Wales. Criticises the government's approach to decarbonisation as leading to deindustrialisation.

Gavin Newlands SNP

Paisley and Renfrewshire North

Transport infrastructure is crucial for economic growth, yet the UK Government's progress on Great British Railways has been painfully slow. The Williams rail review was commissioned in 2018 but there has been little action since then. Despite significant spending in London and home counties, other regions of England have received less investment, leading to disparities in transport spending. Scotland's approach, including the public ownership of rail services, shows what ambition can deliver in terms of increased passenger numbers and economic growth. The UK Government’s treatment of workers under minimum service level regulations is a disgrace and fails to secure high sustained economic growth. There is an opportunity for Scotland to build a better future by choosing independence.

Feryal Clark Lab

Enfield North

The Renters (Reform) Bill, while important, does not go far enough in protecting renters from no-fault evictions. Enfield has seen a significant rise in section 21 evictions leading to increased homelessness and financial burden on local authorities. The Government's delay in banning such evictions for four years is unacceptable given the evidence of Tory failure. These evictions are distressing for tenants and costly to public services, with Enfield Council facing an additional £20 million cost this year alone. High rents, spiralling mortgage rates, and economic mismanagement by the Conservative party have made homeownership increasingly difficult for families in my constituency. The Government's lack of a plan to address these issues shows their failure to govern effectively.

Clive Lewis Lab

Norwich South

The debate feels like gaslighting due to dire economic conditions faced by many constituents. The government's actions over the past 13 years have led to devastating austerity, slashed public services and local governments, increased privatisation, and creeping privatization of healthcare and data. Only a change of government can bring salvation. Genuine levelling up implies sharing prosperity with contributors across the UK. Former British Caribbean islands deserve reparatory justice for transatlantic chattel slavery, estimated at £18.8 trillion in compensation by the Brattle report.

Stephen Farry

Concentrated on Northern Ireland's economy and the need for a ceasefire in Gaza. Recognised Hamas' actions as terrorism but condemned Israel’s disproportionate response. Advocated for political accommodation, notably with a two-state solution, to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Emphasised the importance of restoring the devolved Executive for political stability, investment in skills, infrastructure, and research and development. Suggested introducing a fiscal floor to address Northern Ireland's structural underfunding by £400 million annually and proposed a transformation fund for public services and economy.

Alex Sobel Lab Co-op

Leeds Central and Headingley

One of the greatest risks we face today is the climate and ecological emergency, which poses a threat to economic growth. We need to align UK law with what science tells us is required for a liveable future by passing the cross-party backed climate and ecology Bill. The housing sector is on track to use almost 50% of the Climate Change Committee’s recommended carbon budget, making it unsustainable if we are to uphold our commitments under the Paris agreement. We must prioritise retrofitting homes towards decarbonisation while also providing assistance during the cost of living crisis. Biodiversity net gain policy faces challenges in oversight and enforcement due to capacity issues in local planning departments. The leaders’ pledge for nature aims to halt nature loss by 2030, which aligns with COP15 goals. Gaza’s situation is one that requires international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution.

Andrew Bridgen

The UK is facing significant economic challenges due to inflation, food price hikes, looming financial crisis, high mortgage payments, and rising energy costs leading to increased fuel poverty. Fiscal profligacy, lack of accountability, and reckless money printing by the Bank of England are contributing factors. HS2 has cost tens of billions, while ineffective pandemic responses have led to additional losses. Asylum seekers in hotels are costing £10 million a day in North West Leicestershire alone. Taxes on work hinder economic growth, and the UK’s net zero agenda is costly without global cooperation, especially with China increasing its emissions. The national debt stands at £2.9 trillion, and there could be a major crash or run on banks leading to central bank digital currencies and social credit scoring systems. We need Treasury money solutions similar to the Bradbury pound in 1914.

Tahir Ali Lab

Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley

Ali emphasised the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting over 11,000 innocent Palestinians killed and over 25,000 injured. He criticised Israel's indiscriminate bombing of civilian infrastructure and collective punishment policies. The UK Government was urged to recognise Palestine to facilitate a two-state solution, while condemning illegal settlers' actions and the ongoing blockade.

Samantha Dixon Lab

Chester North and Neston

Dixon criticised the King's Speech for offering little to her constituents facing cost of living crisis. She noted 21 Bills proposed, many delayed from previous sessions, lacking ambition in addressing economic issues like tax hikes and housing challenges. The speech did not address the promised leasehold reforms or conversion therapy ban, highlighting a need for change that the Conservative Government cannot deliver.

Beth Winter

Winter criticised the King's Speech as another missed opportunity to tackle cost of living crisis, climate change, and underfunded public services in Wales. She highlighted cuts required by Welsh Government due to UK austerity measures, urging for more devolution and community-based economic models (cymunedoli) to generate local wealth.

Sam Tarry Lab

Ilford South

The Conservative rule has led to poor economic growth, declining living standards, and a housing crisis. Real income is below 2010 levels, and the private rented sector faces issues such as rising rents, crumbling houses, and no-fault evictions. The Renters (Reform) Bill will end section 21 evictions but does not address excessive rent increases or exploitative landlords. There is a need for rent controls similar to those in Berlin, New York, and Scotland.

Stephen Morgan Lab

Portsmouth South

The King's Speech lacks substance despite containing more words than any since 2005 but fewer Bills. It highlights the Conservative Government’s over-promising and under-delivering. The city of Portsmouth faces challenges like rising mortgages, rents, bills, and taxes at a 70-year high, alongside food bank usage increases. The speech fails to address mental health support, renter protections, or conversion therapy bans. Labour aims to unite the country around new ideas such as getting Britain building again, switching on green energy, boosting NHS services, ending sewage pollution, tackling crime with more police officers, and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

Navendu Mishra Lab

Stockport

Mr. Mishra discussed the housing crisis in Stockport, noting a significant increase in homelessness and private rents. He cited an example of a constituent facing eviction due to unreasonable rent hikes. Mr. Mishra also highlighted long NHS waiting lists and underfunded NHS dentistry. Additionally, he addressed local government funding issues and called for legislation to protect shop workers.

Margaret Greenwood

Ms. Greenwood criticised the King’s Speech for not addressing serious national issues such as NHS crisis, poverty, inequality, illiteracy in adults, and climate emergency. She provided statistics on waiting lists and health spending reductions under Conservative Governments. Ms. Greenwood also emphasised the need to address literacy levels and called for a ban on underground coal gasification and fracking.

Darren Jones Lab

Bristol North West

I thank all right hon. and hon. Members who have contributed to the debate this afternoon. In particular, I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Bedfordshire on his brilliant maiden speech; it is great to see him here today. We heard excellent speeches from many colleagues... The unpalatable truth facing the British people is that each day this Conservative Government remain in power is another day when our country is held back from achieving its potential, and that the biggest risk to the economy is the Conservative party itself.

Laura Trott Con

Sevenoaks

Discussed the government's achievements such as reducing unemployment by 1 million people and lifting 1.7 million out of poverty due to a new living wage. Criticised Labour for proposing spending commitments without an updated OBR forecast and for their lack of action on inflation. Praised trade deals, digital network improvements, housing initiatives, and the economic growth since 2010.

Nigel Evans Con

Chorley

For those who are a bit rusty on King’s Speech procedure, I hope to assist. I will put only the amendment in the name of the Opposition today. Other questions will be put tomorrow.

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