Budget Resolutions

Jeremy Corbyn Ind

Islington North

The coronavirus outbreak is an emergency, and Jeremy Corbyn criticises the Government's response as inadequate. He highlights cuts to public services under austerity measures that have left the NHS understaffed and under-resourced for a crisis. Corbyn also raises questions about support for those on zero-hours contracts or without employment beyond benefit reforms, statutory sick pay availability from day one, and support for low-paid workers not meeting the lower earnings limit. He discusses the £8 billion funding gap in social care since 2010, underpaid careworkers often on zero-hours contracts, and the necessity of ensuring careworkers do not lose out if they self-isolate.

Mel Stride Con

Central Devon

The Budget has been framed against a challenging economic moment, acknowledging strong fundamentals but also huge challenges. The Chancellor's focus on coronavirus and the fiscal rules are key, with questions about headroom within these rules due to recent events not fully accounted for in forecasts.

John Redwood

Asked if the fiscal rules should be flexed for temporary virus-related expenditure, akin to EU's stance towards Italy.

Mel Stride Con

Central Devon

Acknowledged that rules must be flexible but emphasised the importance of accurate forecasting and headroom within fiscal rules in light of coronavirus.

Jonathan Edwards

Questioned whether today’s Budget announcements mask a decade of economic policy failure by the British Government.

Mel Stride Con

Central Devon

Rejected this view, pointing out that the economy was much weaker in 2010 under Labour's rule compared to current fundamentals.

Desmond Swayne Con

New Forest West

Asked about the significant temptation for Government borrowing at low interest rates over ten years.

Mel Stride Con

Central Devon

Discussed adherence to manifesto rules regarding borrowing limits and investment plans, particularly concerning public sector net investment up to 3% of GDP. Emphasised the importance of sustainability and categorisation of human capital.

Caroline Lucas

Critiqued the Chancellor's green rhetoric in the Budget, highlighting a freeze on fossil fuel duty and significant funding disparity between new roads and green transport.

Mel Stride Con

Central Devon

Defended the Government’s commitment to net zero by 2050 and highlighted investment in carbon capture and storage. Suggested reviewing discount rates for green investments and adjusting the Green Book to encourage regional investment.

Rushanara Ali Lab

Bethnal Green and Stepney

Asked about inequality tackling, local government investment, and support for SMEs. Mentioned specific issues like child poverty in her constituency.

Mel Stride Con

Central Devon

Discussed Government measures to help lower-income individuals and small businesses, including business rate changes and national living wage increases. Emphasised the importance of quick support delivery and targeted assistance for specific sectors.

Tan Dhesi Lab

Slough

Expressed concern over insufficient attention to social care quality issues in the Budget statement, highlighting daily deaths due to unmet care needs.

Mel Stride Con

Central Devon

The Prime Minister has been clear on engaging with other parties over social care and must avoid political advantage-taking. The fundamental review of business rates is welcomed as they burden small and medium-sized enterprises. There was no mention in the Chancellor's remarks about digital services tax, but it should proceed given that Google, Facebook and Amazon need to pay fair taxes where value is created. We are all in this together and look forward to working with the Chancellor.

Eleanor Laing 13:57:00

Order was issued by Eleanor Laing regarding a time limit of 10 minutes for speeches from Back Benchers due to the scale and seriousness of the coronavirus crisis, which will likely be reduced later in the day.

Ian Blackford SNP

Commits to calm and practical leadership during the coronavirus crisis. Acknowledges added pressures on the NHS in Scotland and across the UK, thanking all NHS staff. Welcomes additional funding from the Chancellor but urges for more transparency on spending allocations to Scotland. Suggests matching Scottish per capita NHS spending to provide necessary resources and allow Holyrood to increase funding by over £4 billion.

Catherine West Lab

Hornsey and Friern Barnet

Asked for an intervention from the right hon. Gentleman, but no further details of their position were provided in the given text.

Ian Blackford SNP

Ross, Skye and Lochaber

The SNP believes that a comprehensive fiscal stimulus is needed to address the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis. Urgent measures are required for the tourism and hospitality industry, including a temporary reduction in VAT rates from 20% to 5%. The speaker calls for support from major UK banks to extend working capital to businesses and prevent them from being pushed into financial distress due to the crisis. He criticises the current government's economic policies as failing to address inequality and productivity issues, emphasising that Scotland’s future lies in independence rather than remaining part of a union under current leadership. The speech also highlights the need for better support for public services, oil and gas sectors, and social security measures.

Boris Johnson Con

Uxbridge and South Ruislip

The only threat the Scottish people face is the SNP!

Ian Blackford SNP

Ross, Skye and Lochaber

Mr. Blackford criticised the Prime Minister's performance in the previous election regarding Scotland’s independence referendum and highlighted several issues such as lack of clarity on the UK shared prosperity fund, absence of measures to support young people's opportunities within Europe, insufficient protection for fishing communities, and inadequate immigration policies. He also expressed concern over environmental issues stating that the Chancellor should set out a plan matching Scotland's green ambitions.

Eleanor Laing Con

Epping Forest

Madam Deputy Speaker reminded Members of the rules regarding interruptions and ensured that Mr. Blackford would not be interrupted despite ongoing disruptions from other members.

Valerie Vaz Lab

Walsall and Bloxwich

He interrupted.

Peter Bottomley Con

Bromley and Chislehurst

Mr. Bottomley welcomed the Chancellor’s initiative to provide an additional £1 billion for people affected by dangerous cladding on buildings, acknowledging previous efforts in tackling this issue. He emphasised the importance of addressing taxation changes due to climate change and encouraged media engagement with housing issues.

Seema Malhotra Lab Co-op

Feltham and Heston

Pays tribute to the Father of the House for his work. Highlights leasehold issues raised by a constituent, emphasising the need for clarity on who will be eligible for provisions addressing cladding problems in shared ownership properties.

Peter Bottomley Con

Worthing West

Agrees with previous speaker and suggests ways to address leasehold issues by transferring freeholds and landlordism to a group of infrastructure holders. Discusses the Crown preference issue, questioning if it should be brought back considering its impact on business recovery. Welcomes pub sector reliefs announced in the Budget but raises concerns about family businesses under threat from changes in inheritance tax relief. Addresses the importance of supporting middle-sized companies through inheritance and mentions the need for transitional arrangements to address staff shortages in hospitality due to low pay rates. Proposes restoring child benefit eligibility for all children, advocating fairer treatment of women affected by pension reforms, and calls for an end to unfairness towards overseas pensioners not receiving state pension increases.

Angela Eagle Lab

Wallasey

Agrees with the view that a major change in tax base is on the horizon. Criticises the current government's approach to Brexit, highlighting its deliberate creation of uncertainty and potential for an unmanaged no-deal outcome by 2024. Raises concerns about the impact of coronavirus on the economy, noting the importance of fiscal policy in mitigating crisis effects. Welcomes the Chancellor’s fiscal stimulus package but expresses hope that further measures will be taken if necessary.

Jonathan Edwards PC

Carmarthen East and Dinefwr

Echos support for small businesses affected by FCA regime changes, urging the Treasury to address concerns before May when new rules on overdrafts take effect.

Angela Eagle Lab

Wallasey

The Budget fails to address the major challenges posed by climate change and economic weaknesses. It offers insufficient detail on transformative policies needed for net zero carbon emissions, despite an increase in expenditure on flood defences after previous cuts. The UK economy saw no growth in the last quarter of 2019, with annual growth at a weak 1.4%, worse than expected due to potential impacts from coronavirus. Over 3 million people are in insecure jobs and inequality is rising, with child poverty expected to reach 5 million by 2024 due to benefit cuts. The Chancellor's announcements on sick pay for those isolating are welcomed but inadequate for zero-hours contract workers needing ESA compensation. Public services remain underfunded after a decade of austerity, leaving the NHS understaffed and under-resourced for the coronavirus crisis. Infrastructure spending is welcome but does not address current expenditure issues, as local councils continue to face funding cuts despite Government claims of new investment.

Theresa May Con

Maidenhead

Acknowledges the difficult context of delivering the Budget amidst coronavirus impacts and a slowing world economy. Compliments the Chancellor for setting aside funds to address both individual and business challenges, particularly in sectors like hospitality.

Heather Wheeler Con

South Derbyshire

Congratulates the Chancellor on highlighting the hospitality sector's needs, which will benefit semi-rural areas such as South Derbyshire significantly.

Theresa May Con

Walton

The Chancellor's Budget was difficult to deliver, but Theresa May commends him for adhering to Conservative manifesto commitments and managing public finances prudently. She emphasises the importance of fiscal rules in avoiding reckless decisions that could weaken the economy and stresses the unique selling point of Conservative party being prudent management of finances. She welcomes specific issues in the Budget such as funding for carbon capture, prevention of domestic abuse, counter-terrorism measures, emphasis on science and R&D, infrastructure spending, and the shared prosperity fund to reduce disparities between regions.

Aaron Bell Con

Wrexham

Welcomed the Chancellor's announcement about investing £800 million into a model based on the US Advanced Research Projects Agency, which he believes will make a huge difference to research and development in the UK.

Theresa May Con

Walton

Emphasised that the purpose of the shared prosperity fund is to reduce disparities between and within regions. She criticised the 'devolve and forget' approach and stressed the importance of maintaining the health of the UK economy holistically, while also noting the lack of welcome for additional funding by the Scottish Government.

Colum Eastwood SDLP

Foyle

Asked Theresa May if she agreed that the Barnett consequentials announced in the Budget (£210 million) would go nowhere near addressing the commitments made to Northern Ireland. He stressed the need for clarity on how these commitments will be met.

Theresa May Con

Walton

Acknowledged that promises were made in the agreement and committed the Government to closely look at delivering on those promises, given they were made in good faith to bring the Northern Ireland Executive back together. She emphasised that decisions made so far are reflected in the Barnett consequentials announced.

Kim Johnson Lab

Liverpool Riverside

I am honoured to represent Liverpool, Riverside and acknowledge the hard work of my predecessor. The constituency is diverse with affluent areas alongside multi-deprived ones. I highlight Liverpool's historical significance and its complex past involving slavery. Despite challenges from austerity measures, Liverpool remains resilient. My constituents need greater support for local government and adult social care. As a socialist MP, I intend to hold the Government accountable and advocate for social justice.

Sajid Javid Con

15:34:00

I congratulate the Chancellor on his first Budget focusing on the challenges posed by coronavirus. Despite structural changes including a new trading relationship with Europe, immigration reforms, and carbon neutrality goals, the Government must respond to the economic threat from the pandemic. The priority is public health but we also need to support financially vulnerable individuals and companies that may struggle during the downturn.

John Redwood Con

15:34:00

I urge the Government to acknowledge additional savings from lower interest rates on government debt and emphasise the need to spend whatever is necessary in response to the economic challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Sajid Javid 15:34:00

Welcomed the emergency support package for SMEs and proposed extending time-to-pay arrangements to business rates, suggested a temporary cut in employers’ national insurance, welcomed Bank of England's action, highlighted investment in skills and education including £1.5 billion for FE capital, supported infrastructure revolution focusing on roads, rail, digital, decarbonisation and flood defences, urged the Chancellor to consider full expensing for businesses, underlined importance of fiscal responsibility.

Desmond Swayne Con

New Forest West

Asked about the Chancellor’s ability to remain within existing fiscal rules in light of emergency measures announced.

Sam Tarry Lab

Ilford South

Discusses his background in Ilford, paying tribute to previous efforts by Mike Gapes. Mentions the community's response to austerity measures, highlighting local schools and youth clubs that support young people. Criticises current government policies for exacerbating poverty and housing crises, and calls for bold climate action.

John Redwood Con

Wokingham

Congratulates the hon. Member for Ilford South on his maiden speech and welcomes the actions of the Bank of England today, stating that they are co-ordinating their work with the Treasury to do things in the public interest. He praises the cancellation of counter-cyclical capital buffers by the Bank of England, which means up to £190 billion more is now available for good projects and individuals who want to borrow for big ticket items. He also supports the fiscal stance adopted by the Government in the Budget, noting that it provides a stimulus and additional resources for the health service should they be needed.

Edward Leigh Con

Gainsborough

Supports dealing with the coronavirus threat as a United Kingdom rather than separate nations. He argues that Scotland voted to remain part of the UK in the referendum and this decision should not be revisited frequently.

Meg Hillier Lab Co-op

Hackney South and Shoreditch

The Budget is optimistic but a mix of old announcements repackaged with missed opportunities in housing, education, and social care. There are issues around statutory sick pay for coronavirus due to the prevalence of zero-hours contracts and self-employed workers who may struggle to claim benefits easily or fraudulently.

Seema Malhotra Lab Co-op

Feltham and Heston

Not enough information provided in the text for a full position from Seema Malhotra, but there is an indication she intended to speak or ask for clarification.

Meg Hillier Lab Co-op

Hackney South and Shoreditch

Hillier criticises the Chancellor's housing fund, stating that it does not meet her definition of affordable. She mentions a 33% increase in households on Hackney's housing register over five years. She raises concerns about the long waiting times for new housing and the issue of dangerous cladding affecting mortgage prisoners. Hillier welcomes the commitment to remove dangerous cladding but expresses doubt that it is enough, with estimates suggesting £1 billion may be insufficient. She calls for developers and building owners to pay their share and emphasises the need for details on how this will be implemented. She also questions the absence of Brexit preparation funding in the budget, pointing out previous spending to prepare for no deal scenarios. Hillier queries the use of capital investment funds for paying off existing loans to FE colleges rather than new investments. She expresses concerns about carbon capture and storage initiatives, suggesting that past failures mean current promises may not be delivered effectively. Additionally, she discusses the health surcharge's impact on migrants, noting its financial burden and the potential to deter full societal contribution. Hillier highlights delays in addressing NHS pension issues identified by the Public Accounts Committee.

Matt Vickers Con

Stockton West

Welcomed the Chancellor's investment in infrastructure and NHS funding, highlighted improvements to Eaglescliffe train station for disabled access. Praised manufacturing businesses in Stockton South like Carroll & Meynell, Ensus, and Nifco. Emphasised the importance of social mobility and economic growth through education and improved infrastructure.

Rachel Reeves Lab

Leeds West and Pudsey

Ms Reeves welcomed the additional support for the NHS and businesses but criticised the Government's measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, particularly regarding statutory sick pay. She argued that £94.25 a week is insufficient, risking people’s health due to financial constraints. Ms Reeves highlighted the economic vulnerabilities of self-employed individuals and those on zero-hours contracts. She also urged for more support for local councils in public health and social care, questioned the immigration surcharge increase, and suggested international efforts for poorer countries dealing with the pandemic. On the economy, she criticised ten years of Conservative government leading to low growth predictions and a national debt forecast twice that inherited from Labour in 2010. Ms Reeves called for the Budget to prioritise tackling climate change ahead of COP26, criticising the spending imbalance on road infrastructure versus local transport and electric vehicles.

Sammy Wilson DUP

East Antrim

I welcome the Chancellor's measures supporting businesses and workers during coronavirus disruption. However, I criticise the modest spending increase in the Budget and oppose additional green taxes that would affect ordinary people's standard of living.

Liam Byrne Lab

Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North

The criticism is that this Budget lacks a clear plan to decarbonise the transport system, which remains unclear from today’s presentation.

Sammy Wilson DUP

East Antrim

He welcomed the additional money for Northern Ireland but criticised the increase in expenditure of 1.8%, stressing that this could be difficult for the devolved administration to manage given their commitments. He emphasised the need for oversight on how funds are spent and called for a discussion about national priorities, especially regarding decarbonisation efforts.

Andrea Leadsom Con

South Northamptonshire

She praised the Chancellor's balanced approach in protecting public finances while levelling up across the UK. She supported funding for businesses and science and innovation, underlining the importance of decarbonisation efforts as an opportunity to enhance the global economy. Leadsom also highlighted the UK’s progress towards net-zero emissions and discussed potential international leadership roles at COP26.

Edward Davey Lib Dem

Kingston and Surbiton

He welcomed the economic stimulus but expressed concern about its adequacy. He stressed the need for further support for people on low incomes, especially those in the gig economy, zero-hours contracts, and the self-employed during the pandemic. Davey was also alarmed by the OBR's growth forecasts, attributing poor performance to Brexit uncertainty and a new immigration system.

Liam Byrne Lab

Birmingham Hodge Hill

The growth figures the right hon. Gentleman draws attention to are after a £174 billion fiscal stimulus and interest rate reductions by the Bank of England, yet productivity in our economy remains broken, highlighting the failure of recent economic strategies.

Edward Davey Lib Dem

Kingston and Surbiton

Emphasises the failure to invest in skills and acknowledge Brexit's impact on productivity. Criticises unfair business rates and IR35, expressing disappointment with the Government’s lack of action on climate change, including a fuel duty freeze and limited investment in green transport. Advocates for significant expenditure on refurbishing housing stock and carbon capture storage. Raises concern over the care sector's state and calls for urgent attention to workforce planning issues.

Claire Hanna SDLP

Belfast South and Mid Down

Questions whether it is the right time to start looking inwards or cut ourselves off from nearest neighbours due to challenges like coronavirus, climate crisis, and workforce planning. Suggests an extension of the transition period as a logical next step for the Government.

Edward Davey Lib Dem

Kingston and Surbiton

Agrees with Claire Hanna's points about extending the transition period due to potential implications of coronavirus. Reiterates the need for better social justice issues like universal credit reform, care revolution, addressing nursing shortages, and tackling climate change through comprehensive measures.

George Freeman Con

Mid Norfolk

Welcomes the Chancellor's announcements on science, innovation and infrastructure. Emphasises the importance of economic renewal and regeneration for a sustainable post-crash economy. Highlights the need to address domestic grievances through investment in high-growth technology sectors like life sciences, agri-tech, and cleantech. Advocates for bold policies that deliver big change while learning from past failures on infrastructure projects such as Crossrail. Urges the creation of engines of leadership and investment to unlock local regeneration and access funding for small cities and towns.

Seema Malhotra Lab Co-op

Feltham and Heston

The Chancellor's fiscal rules have a poor track record, with the Conservatives having had more than Labour in a shorter period. Despite political criticism, Seema recognises the difficulties faced by any Chancellor today due to economic challenges such as Brexit and the NHS nurse shortage. The announcement of funding for 50,000 nurses is seen as insufficient given the current needs and cuts made under Conservative governments. The economy's growth has slowed since 2015, with productivity flatlining; the Budget's claim of a long-term productivity increase seems unclear without concrete measures. Infrastructure spending plans are welcomed but past performance shows deep cuts and delays. The gender impact of the Budget is highlighted, urging for equality assessments due to differing impacts on men and women. Lessons from abolished regional development agencies suggest better coordination could improve future investments. Early years education remains a critical area needing more support, with child poverty rates high in Feltham and Heston. Health infrastructure improvements are needed beyond hospitals, including primary care facilities.

Nigel Mills Con

Amber Valley

Welcomed the extensive measures in the Budget to tackle coronavirus disruption, including increased spending of £18 billion and £26 billion respectively over the next two financial years. Highlighted business rate relief, reduced national insurance payments, delayed tax payments, guaranteed loan schemes as beneficial for businesses. Emphasised the importance of reclassifying self-employed individuals as employees to ensure they receive sick pay benefits and have better employment protections. Welcomed measures such as changes allowing small and medium-sized businesses with fewer than 250 employees to reclaim costs from the Government for paying coronavirus-related sick pay, no sliding back on IR35 changes, increase in national insurance threshold, freezes on fuel duty and alcohol duties, reduction in VAT on tampons and newspapers. Mentioned local infrastructure projects like the transforming cities fund for Derby and Nottingham, pothole filling scheme for the east midlands, Access for All initiative, and brownfield housing fund as positive developments. Raised concerns about potential tax revenue shortfalls from business rates, excise duties, and employment taxes due to changing work patterns and reduced consumption of fuel, alcohol, and cigarettes.

Liam Byrne Lab

Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North

We have had a £174 billion fiscal loosening to deliver a rate of growth over the forecast period that is well below the trend rate of growth. The OBR made it clear in its publications earlier today, stating that last year the Chancellor was on course to achieve a balanced budget in the medium term. Now the deficit is forecast to stretch to £60 billion. This Budget not only punishes the poor but does nothing to remedy the terrible injustices of the universal credit regime. In the west midlands, we have a Tory Mayor who has boasted about his influence but failed to deliver promises such as youth employment and homebuilding. The levelling up fund will provide only £100 million for the region, far short of the £1.9 billion black hole in the budget. We need a Budget that fills these gaps.

Mark Harper Con

I did not spot in his remarks Liam Byrne's declaration of interest as an opponent of the west midlands mayoral candidate Andy Street, which coloured his remarks. It is also worth reminding Labour Members that difficult decisions had to be taken from 2010 onwards because we were left with a budget deficit—the highest in the developed world—and it had to be dealt with.

Jesse Norman Con

Hereford and South Herefordshire

When the bank crisis struck, it was all the worse because the whole sector was wildly over-leveraged. Bank leverage went from 20 times capital to 50 times capital in seven years under Labour.

Mark Harper Con

Bexhill and Battle

The Chancellor's Budget was welcomed, particularly the measures to support businesses during the coronavirus crisis. Mark Harper emphasised the importance of trust in government, highlighting the Conservative party’s manifesto commitments on tax cuts for small businesses, borrowing for infrastructure investment, and keeping debt lower at the end of the Parliament. He also commended the fuel duty freeze and the exemption for red diesel for farmers. Harper noted the current high tax burden and advocated for controlled spending while supporting long-term economic growth through levelling up across the UK and investing in infrastructure, education, flood defences, and road repairs.

Nigel Evans Con

Copeland

Called for order to manage the remaining time effectively, allowing all Members wishing to speak an opportunity. Stressed the need to adhere closely to the time limit of approximately eight minutes per speaker to accommodate everyone within the remaining hour.

Chris Evans Lab Co-op

Caerphilly

The speaker welcomes the Deputy Speaker and acknowledges the speech by the right hon. Member for Forest of Dean, though he disagrees with much of it. He criticises the previous Chancellor's infamous letter to James Callaghan in 1964 and emphasises the need for a balanced approach between dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and avoiding mass hysteria. Evans highlights the freezing of business rates as a welcome relief but notes that this is only a sticking plaster on the real problem faced by high streets, which are being devastated due to numerous factors including online retail competition and outdated taxes like business rates. He uses examples such as Tidal’s Store in Blackwood and Tony Brown's comments about Beales' closure to illustrate the issue of high business rates stifling recovery efforts for struggling businesses. Evans calls for urgent action on reviewing business rates and proposes a 2% online sales tax or retail sales tax to level the playing field between traditional retailers and online giants like Amazon.

Damian Hinds Con

East Hampshire

The hon. Member emphasised the importance of productivity and its impact on economic growth, discussing various ways to increase it such as investing in education and vocational training. He highlighted the progress made in closing attainment gaps but noted the need for further reforms in technical and vocational education. The speaker also mentioned the introduction of T-levels and the importance of aligning skills taught with industry needs.

Owen Thompson SNP

Midlothian

The Chancellor's Budget has been silent on key issues such as the WASPI women, support for small businesses affected by IR35 reforms, and tax evasion. The proposed immigration plans are damaging to Scotland's economy, and the Government’s refusal to consider a Scottish visa proposal is disappointing. Additionally, there is frustration with broken promises regarding military bases and personnel numbers in Scotland, including the Glencorse barracks closure. There needs to be an agenda for change that prioritises supporting vulnerable communities and investing in economic growth.

Edward Leigh Con

Gainsborough

There is significant waste in public spending which must be addressed, particularly regarding the decant from Parliament's building project. Costs have risen exponentially, reaching £10 billion, and there are cheaper solutions available such as reusing Richmond House or temporarily relocating to the House of Lords.

Chris Evans Lab Co-op

Caerphilly

Further contributions from other speakers will be added as their speeches are provided in the transcript.

Edward Leigh Con

Gainsborough

Mr Leigh criticised wasteful public spending on projects such as High Speed 2, which now costs £100 billion. He also highlighted the inefficiencies in the procurement of aircraft carriers and other IT projects like the NHS GP project that left the country £12 billion in debt. Mr Leigh emphasised the need for a smaller state with simpler taxation, citing examples where tax simplification under Nigel Lawson's leadership was beneficial.

Matt Western Lab

Warwick and Leamington

Mr Western discussed the economic challenges posed by Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic. He highlighted the negative impact of austerity measures on social services, including school funding cuts and welfare reductions leading to increased poverty and hardship. Mr Western called for more investment in health and social care, local authorities, affordable housing, renewable energy, and small businesses facing Brexit challenges.

Tobias Ellwood Con

Bournemouth East

Congratulates the Chancellor on a formidable performance and the Treasury team for putting together an important Budget statement. Emphasises the £30 billion stimulus package as necessary to manage the economic impact of coronavirus, highlighting initiatives like business rates relief, funding schemes for small businesses, and loans provisions. Welcomes the investment in vaccine research (£40 million) and acknowledges the positive long-term outlook for the UK economy despite current challenges. Supports specific local projects such as transforming cities fund allocations, fuel duty freeze, increased start-up loans, infrastructure improvements including rail upgrades at Boscombe railway station, 5G roll-out, and funding for veterans' mental health issues. Criticises the absence of mention on air passenger duty and UK defence.

Catherine West Lab

Hornsey and Friern Barnet

Expressed concerns about health inequalities in Haringey borough, discussed the impact of the coronavirus on communities, questioned the effectiveness of the Bank of England's measures for small businesses, highlighted the economic loss from leaving the EU, criticised the Budget's timid approach to climate change and mixed messages regarding environmental policies. Emphasised the role of local government in tackling climate challenges.

Stephen Crabb Con

Beaconsfield

Complimented the Chancellor on delivering a strong, future-focused Budget amid the coronavirus crisis. Acknowledged the importance of sound public finances and a safer banking system. Welcomed measures to support businesses during the crisis. Rejected an idea from businesses to delay the national minimum wage increase but acknowledged business fears about cash flow.

Stephen Crabb Con

Dover

Welcomed the measures on statutory sick pay to protect family incomes but raised concerns about relying heavily on banks for support to small and medium-sized businesses, citing historical issues of unfair treatment by banks. Emphasised the need to consider better social protection for self-employed individuals, freelancers, and gig economy workers during crises despite acknowledging the UK's strong labour market record over the past decade.

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