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Economy and Jobs
20 January 2020
Lead MP
John Martin McDonnell
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSEmploymentBrexitBenefits & Welfare
Other Contributors: 72
At a Glance
John Martin McDonnell raised concerns about economy and jobs in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Queen’s Speech fails to reverse the decade of austerity; it does not tackle insecure work, end in-work poverty, or introduce a real living wage. The speech also ignores universal credit's brutal hardship and fails to address twin emergencies: climate and social emergency. The Government has broken the link between securing work and being lifted out of poverty, resulting in over 4 million children living in poverty despite their parents working.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Asked McDonnell about ascribing the best result for the Conservative party since 1987 to Brexit and 'Get Brexit Done' message.
Hayes and Harlington
Responded that the victory of the Conservative party was due to the 'Brexit and Get Brexit Done' message. Cited reports from independent agencies highlighting the impact of austerity, including 4 million children living in poverty, with one in three being homeless. Described the effects on children of living in poverty, such as poor health, underachievement at school, and stigma.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Noted that 30% of all tax receipts come from the top 1% of earners.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Asked John McDonnell about Labour's position on R&D tax credits.
Hayes and Harlington
Explained that Labour wanted to scrap R&D tax credits due to inefficiency, proposed direct investment instead. Criticised the government for low transport investment in northern regions compared to London. Highlighted austerity measures disproportionately affecting northern cities. Mentioned Labour's work on fiscal rules and regional investment policies. Critiqued Chancellor's plans as inadequate for addressing infrastructure and climate change needs. Warned about the impact of a poor post-Brexit trade deal on manufacturing jobs.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Asked if Labour supports reorienting corporate tax breaks to support investment in other regions.
Hayes and Harlington
Responded by mentioning Labour's work on regional impacts of tax breaks, referred to Kerslake review. Criticised the government for changing fiscal rules without adherence. Stressed need for long-term investment in infrastructure and addressing inequality.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Discussed concerns from business leaders regarding Chancellor's trade deal stance, impacting manufacturing jobs.
Hayes and Harlington
Critiqued Chancellor for reckless statements about trade deals, suggesting it could cost jobs. Warned about HMRC cuts affecting tax evasion and avoidance efforts.
Asked McDonnell about HMRC's reduction in staff dedicated to tackling wealthy individuals' tax issues.
Hayes and Harlington
Responded by highlighting the self-defeating nature of cuts at HMRC, emphasising need for better economic regulation.
Julian Knight
Con
Solihull
Asked about the government's commitment to the 2018 automotive sector deal, focusing on research and development for connected and autonomous vehicles.
Sajid Javid
Con
Ahmedabad
Confirmed the commitment to the automotive sector deal and expressed ambitions to further support it. He also discussed the UK's future relationship with the EU, aiming for an ambitious free trade agreement outside of the single market and customs union.
Bob Neill
Con
Hendon
Emphasised the need to protect the interests of the financial services sector as Britain is a world leader in this field, highlighting the importance of not being a rule taker but ensuring better access for UK businesses.
Sajid Javid
Con
Ahmedabad
Agreed with Bob Neill and confirmed the commitment to protecting financial services. He also highlighted the fiscal responsibility framework that would keep borrowing and debt under control while allowing new investment in levelling up across the country.
Peter Grant
SNP
Glenrothes
Asked about the UK Government's intention to invest in the Levenmouth rail link, a vital project for Scotland.
Sajid Javid
Con
Ahmedabad
Confirmed that infrastructure investment would benefit every part of the United Kingdom and there will be significant investment in Scotland as well.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Asked about proposals for new electricity grid infrastructure to meet climate change targets, aiming for a fourfold increase in electricity capacity.
Sajid Javid
Con
Ahmedabad
Confirmed that significant investment will be made into technologies and markets related to climate change as part of the infrastructure revolution. He mentioned the statutory requirement to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness West, Glen Urquhart
Asked if the Conservative Party would now drop its ideological opposition to onshore wind as part of their investment in technology to challenge climate change.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Leeds West
She welcomes investment in net zero but criticises the Government for not providing funding to build flood defences after severe flooding in Leeds West.
Mike Amesbury
Lab
Worcester
He reminds the House that taxpayers paid billions of pounds to bail out banks where the Chancellor had previously worked as an investment banker.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Supports amendment (b), criticises the Chancellor's lack of a mandate in Scotland, emphasises the need for cooperation between UK and Scottish Governments, warns about potential budgeting issues for councils and public services if certain deadlines are missed. Raises concerns over funding cuts, immigration policies, regulatory standards post-Brexit, and the economic impact on Scotland from leaving the EU. Criticises the 'pretendy' living wage policy as discriminatory towards young people and women, demands clarity on financial services legislation progress, and highlights issues with austerity measures including welfare cuts.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness Nairn East Inverness
Compliments Alison Thewliss's speech, expresses dismay at the number of people dying before accessing benefits due to being classed as terminally ill. Urges the Government to address this issue immediately.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Welcomed the intervention of her hon. Friend and discussed issues related to universal credit, WASPI women, climate change, and Scotland's potential as an independent country with a strong welfare state.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Welcomed the measures outlined in the Queen’s Speech and highlighted the economic track record of the Government including uninterrupted economic growth, record employment, and low percentage of people in low-paid work. Emphasised the importance of financial services sector for tax revenue and raised questions about outcome-based equivalence and market access for businesses.
Agreed with Harriett Baldwin on the strength of the UK's financial services sector as part of a hub including law, accountancy and other professional services. Emphasised the importance of having a solution for these sectors post-Brexit.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Leeds West and Pudsey
I express concern over the economic outlook, particularly regarding business investment decline, anaemic growth rates, reliance on unsecured household debt, increasing inequalities in cities and deprivation in towns. The employment Bill is a focus of my remarks; while positive employment statistics are noted, underpayment issues persist with only seven prosecutions for wage violations over ten years despite thousands of cases. I support the proposed single enforcement agency but urge proper resourcing and removal of barriers to court action by workers. Recommendations for granting worker status as default and right to contract reflecting hours worked are suggested. Firms in the gig economy often avoid taxes, national insurance, minimum wage, and other benefits, leaving many working families in poverty. I also address regulatory oversight failures exemplified by Carillion’s collapse, highlighting the need for stringent measures against corporate abuse.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
The Conservative Member emphasises the importance of maintaining high standards in environmental regulations, worker rights and product quality post-Brexit. He argues against remaining permanently in a single market or customs union and advocates for free trade deals that preserve British autonomy. Edward suggests simplifying the tax code to reward enterprise and encourages the Chancellor to follow Nigel Lawson’s precedent by reducing income tax rates from 60% to 40%. Furthermore, he calls on the government to be radical by promoting private sector solutions within public services such as the NHS for improved efficiency.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
The Liberal Democrat Member questions the Conservative stance on public spending and highlights the need for good public services, especially in light of vulnerable people who require assistance. She emphasises that an increase in spending is necessary to maintain effective public services.
Beth Winter
Lab
Cynon Valley
Maiden speech focusing on the history of Cynon Valley, labour politics, economic challenges due to deindustrialisation and austerity policies, local community resilience, and the need for a fairer society. Emphasises support for social equality, trade union involvement, and foundational economy development in Wales.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
Thanked the Deputy Speaker for calling him to speak in the debate on economy and employment. Praised the beauty of his constituency, Arundel and South Downs, which includes six historic market towns, vineyards producing English sparkling wine, and the South Downs national park known for its natural beauty and dark skies. Highlighted concerns about housing development proposals in flood-prone areas and advocated for level-up initiatives elsewhere in the UK. Emphasised the historical significance of his constituency from Neolithic times to modern days. Supported the Chancellor's commitments to gigabit broadband, 5G coverage, and a review of business rates.
Jack Dromey
Lab
Birmingham Erdington
Congratulated Andrew Griffith and Beth Winter on their maiden speeches. Stressed that key to the success of any company or country is its workforce and how they are treated, advocating for tapping into employees' potential and ensuring fair treatment. Criticised Amazon's practices, including a case where a pregnant employee was subjected to a five-hour disciplinary hearing without food or drink. Cited evidence from workers highlighting issues such as unsafe conditions, lack of facilities, high stress levels, and poor management practices at Amazon depots.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Agreed with Jack Dromey's comments about Amazon. Suggested the need for a creative solution to ensure that digital giants like Amazon are paying their fair share of taxes and treating workers properly.
Jack Dromey
Lab
Erdington
He agrees with the previous speaker and criticises Amazon for its poor treatment of workers and tax avoidance. He cites examples from The Guardian, Daily Mail and Public Accounts Committee reports to highlight that despite high sales and profits, Amazon pays very little in taxes. Dromey urges the government to take action against such practices, suggesting an independent investigation into health and safety issues at Amazon depots.
Jack Brereton
Con
Stoke-on-Trent North
He congratulates fellow Members on their maiden speeches and focuses on the economic challenges faced by Stoke-on-Trent, such as low wage levels and poor planning in schools. He highlights improvements in educational standards but notes that there are still many children who do not achieve the required grades at GCSE level. Brereton supports plans for a new free school to boost education standards and discusses the need for investment in high streets and town centres facing decline due to online retail growth. He also emphasises the importance of flexible planning use categories and business rate relief zones to revitalise town centres.
Gordon
Thomson, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Gordon and spokesperson on business and industry, acknowledges his predecessor Colin Clark's service. He highlights the contrasts within his constituency, which includes agriculture, food production, offshore work in oil and gas and renewables, brewing, distilling, and education. The area values EU membership due to its pragmatic approach towards international trade. Thomson outlines three challenges pertinent to his constituents: preparing for a just transition to low-carbon industries from North Sea oil and gas; growing other areas of the economy such as digital, life sciences, food and drink, and tourism; and maintaining alignment with the single market despite potential contradictions in government policy.
Natalie Elphicke
Con
Dover
My constituency has a rich history and is economically important with the Port of Dover being one of the busiest in Europe. I will continue to work for my constituents, focusing on investment, infrastructure, healthcare, and job creation as we leave the EU.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
I welcome the Government’s commitment to making the UK a global science superpower and investing in research and development. However, I am concerned about the lack of alignment between Britain and the rest of the EU after Brexit. Workers’ rights are not a priority for the Government, leading to high levels of insecure work, under-employment, and low pay.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
I agree with my hon. Friend that workers' rights should be prioritised by the Government, especially in light of the Chancellor's controversial comments about potential lack of alignment between Britain and the rest of the EU after Brexit.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Jarvis agreed with the Prime Minister's sentiment about northern innovation but called for meaningful action to address under-investment in economically poor regions. He advocated for a fiscal programme that delivers transformational resourcing, tackles poverty and inequality, builds homes where needed, grows an economy exploiting green opportunities, and aids infrastructure development. Jarvis welcomed the Government’s commitment to changing investment decision-making through Green Book methodology and emphasised the importance of local empowerment through devolution.
Aaron Bell
Con
Newcastle-under-Lyme
It is a privilege to speak on behalf of Newcastle-under-Lyme, an area with a rich history dating back centuries. The speaker acknowledges the contributions of his predecessor, Paul Farrelly, and pays tribute to Charles Donaldson-Hudson, noting a 134-year gap in Conservative representation due to coal mining's impact. He emphasises the need for green jobs, high-skilled employment, and tech positions, highlighting Newcastle-under-Lyme’s potential with Keele University and its science park, as well as support from funding initiatives like the future high streets programme and Town Deal Board involvement.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
The speaker supports an amendment regarding the Queen's Speech, expressing concern about the lack of clarity on how Brexit will benefit the UK economy. She highlights that leaving the EU after 40 years will have long-lasting impacts and questions what opportunities the Government plans to seize post-Brexit.
The speaker thanks Sarah Olney for her speech and emphasises the importance of ensuring that the economy works for everyone, including people with disabilities. She stresses the need for championing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for individuals with disabilities to ensure a truly inclusive economic environment.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Olney criticises the Government for not leveraging opportunities presented by leaving the EU to enhance financial services. She highlights the conundrum of choosing between close alignment with the EU and taking control of regulations, noting that the Queen's Speech does not provide clarity on this issue. Olney also points out contradictions in the trade Bill regarding transition of trade agreements versus the Chancellor's desire for no alignment. Additionally, she welcomes the Government’s commitment to reviewing business rates but regrets their lack of radical change. She supports enhancing workers' rights but calls for more detail on how these rights will be upheld. Olney mentions issues with the loan charge and IR35 regime reforms not being addressed in the Queen's Speech. Lastly, she praises the neonatal unit at Kingston Hospital and welcomes the Government’s commitment to paid neonatal leave.
Jo Gideon
Con
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Jo Gideon, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, highlighted the importance of focusing on economic growth and job creation in her constituency. She emphasised that Stoke-on-Trent is embracing its industrial heritage while looking towards a manufacturing future post-Brexit. Gideon praised previous efforts to support the ceramics industry but also called for improvements in education standards, skills development, and public transport infrastructure. Additionally, she advocated for preserving historical parks and promoting innovation through initiatives like the Ceramic Valley enterprise zone and an international research centre for advanced ceramics. She stressed the need for radical retail business rate reforms and encouraged more local residents to live in town centres while attracting international tourists. Gideon also called for a transport revolution to reduce congestion and improve services, advocating for Stoke-on-Trent to receive substantial funding from various Government programmes aimed at improving infrastructure.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow South West
Stephens congratulates the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central on her maiden speech and discusses the debate's sense of déjà vu, criticising Government Back-Bench MPs for calling Opposition Members Marxists and mocking their treatment of 1950s-born women. He points out that the Chancellor’s speech was a masterclass in Tory buzzword bingo without addressing tax avoidance or the reduction in staff at HMRC's wealthy unit. Stephens also critiques the Government's approach to trade unions, regulation of the transport sector, and employment Bills such as zero-hours contracts.
Suella Braverman
Con
Fareham and Waterlooville
Braverman shares her experience from 1992 during a recession when she was twelve years old. She discusses the importance of work in lifting people out of poverty, highlighting that millions more people do not live with economic insecurity today due to the jobs miracle since 2010. Braverman emphasises that growing the economy and reducing inequality are not mutually exclusive goals for the Conservative Government. She also mentions investment in infrastructure such as junction 10 on the M27 for Welborne garden village, and levelling up educational opportunities.
Virendra Sharma
Lab
Hounslow West
Over the last decade, under Conservative leadership, poverty has risen significantly while pay has stagnated. The emergence of 'left behind' individuals highlights a concerning trend where work no longer guarantees an escape from hardship. Currently, nine million households with at least one working adult live in poverty. Additionally, food bank use increased from 61,000 parcels in 2011 to over 1.6 million last year, indicating severe economic challenges for many families.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
I am honoured to represent the constituency of North West Durham, a stunningly beautiful place with rich heritage but also significant modern challenges. My focus is on driving economic growth through investments in high streets, rural transport services, rail connectivity, healthcare facilities, housing developments, and new industries. I will campaign for measures such as reducing vehicle excise duty on motorhomes, lowering beer duty, expanding the Pause programme, promoting technical and vocational education, restricting online gambling, and reviewing legal aid provisions.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
The speaker congratulates the hon. Member for North West Durham on his maiden speech and acknowledges its quality along with other speeches made today. He discusses the Government's legislative programme, noting a lack of ambition in many areas while acknowledging the broadness of their proposal. The speaker supports flexible working becoming the default presumption but questions the effectiveness given employers' power to reject requests. He criticises the current right to request legislation for not addressing zero-hours contracts adequately. Madders argues against the false choice between flexibility and security, suggesting that a fair workplace settlement requires addressing fundamental imbalances. Research shows many workers feel uncomfortable or unfairly treated at work, yet the Government's approach seems to be superficial. The speaker calls for an end to weak employment rights, avaricious corporations, and indifferent governance towards working people, advocating instead for job security and quality of jobs being valued equally with their creation. He criticises recent comments by the Chancellor about not having alignment as potentially encouraging multinationals to move production elsewhere, citing sectors worth £98 billion to the UK economy. Madders questions if promises made during the election will be upheld, particularly in protecting jobs for industries such as automotive and manufacturing. The speech concludes with a discussion on housing, specifically addressing leasehold scandal issues and calling for immediate solutions for victims of mis-selling.
Jane Hunt
Con
Loughborough
I was honoured to be elected as the MP for Loughborough and I am proud to represent this diverse constituency, which includes both rural and urban areas with a rich history. The town of Loughborough is known for its market, bell foundry, university, science park, and sporting excellence. The area also features various communities and villages such as Shepshed, Wolds, Quorn, Mountsorrel Castle, Barrow upon Soar, Sileby, Hathern, with significant industries including quarrying, railways, and farming. I am committed to supporting local businesses, improving flood mitigation measures, and ensuring that all residents feel part of a cohesive community.
Gerald Jones
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
The speaker criticised the Queen's Speech for failing to address poverty in Wales, especially under Tory austerity measures. He highlighted cuts to local authorities and public services and emphasised the need to end austerity and reform the shambolic universal credit system which pushes people into poverty. Jones also stressed the importance of industrial strategy investment and infrastructure improvements for isolated communities. He called for clarity on Brexit funding to ensure Wales is not worse off post-Brexit, praised the Welsh Labour Government's social care system, and urged the UK government to take climate change more seriously by setting earlier targets than 2050.
Bob Neill
Con
Bromley and Chislehurst
Emphasised the importance of focusing on economic stability in the Queen’s Speech. Highlighted the need for a robust deal regarding financial services, including alignment with EU markets to ensure access and certainty for contract writers in London. Stressed the significance of mutual recognition of professional qualifications and enforcement of judgments within legal and accounting sectors. Advocated for swift action on signing up to conventions like Lugano and The Hague. Raised concerns about protecting judicial independence and integrity while considering future constitutional arrangements. Called for proper funding of criminal justice reforms and early intervention strategies to reduce reoffending, citing an economic benefit of around £18 billion a year from reduced reoffending.
Peter Grant
SNP
Gordon
Mr. Grant expressed concern about the lack of economic focus in the Queen's Speech and highlighted the challenges faced by his constituency, Mid Fife. He noted the poor economic performance compared to national averages, including fewer businesses per head of population, falling numbers of businesses, lower wages, and a significant number of food banks. He also mentioned the negative impact on communities due to past pit closures and called for better handling of future job transitions in the oil and gas industry towards a carbon-free economy. Additionally, he raised concerns about the distribution of funding under the shared prosperity fund, fearing it might not be aligned with local priorities.
Mark Menzies
Con
Fylde
Mr Menzies highlighted the importance of aerospace and nuclear industries in his constituency, focusing on BAE Systems' role in manufacturing Typhoon and Hawk aircraft and developing cutting-edge technologies. He emphasised that supporting programmes like Team Tempest is crucial for future job creation. Regarding nuclear energy, he advocated for investment in small modular reactors to secure a low-carbon future. Additionally, Mr Menzies called for the Government to resource trade initiatives properly, ensuring they are well-supported to aggressively pursue foreign direct investment opportunities.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
In her maiden speech, Nadia Whittome thanked the people of Nottingham East for electing her and pledged to represent them and their interests diligently. She highlighted issues such as child poverty at 42%, food bank use by firefighters, and long waiting times for council homes. She expressed support for workers fighting for better pay and conditions in industries like Deliveroo and Uber, emphasising the need for climate justice and the right to organise. She also criticised the current economic system and called for systemic change to address the new poverty among working-class people.
Andrew Bridgen
Con
North West Leicestershire
Bridgen discussed the significant reduction in unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, since 2010 under Conservative governance. He highlighted North West Leicestershire’s economic prosperity and happiness index ranking as highest in the east midlands. Bridgen advocated for better infrastructure investment to improve job accessibility and public transport networks, especially linking cities like Nottingham with employment hubs near East Midlands airport. He proposed a 'three cities and three counties Mayor' for Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire to drive further economic growth.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Kearns agreed with Bridgen’s points about the need for better infrastructure in the east midlands. She suggested focusing on the A1 road as a key connection through the region, advocating that scrapping HS2 should be accompanied by more investment in roads like the A1 to improve connectivity and support regional development.
Andrew Bridgen
Con
North West Leicestershire
Suggests HS2 is an unnecessary project and emphasises the need for local connectivity improvements. Highlights regional disparities in economic growth, arguing that connectivity within regions rather than to London is crucial for 'levelling up'. Calls for investment in public transport and infrastructure within regions instead of prioritising projects like HS2.
Battersea
Critiques the Queen's Speech for failing to address pressing issues such as climate change, housing crisis, and social security. Calls for radical action on climate including ambitious zero emissions targets and a new clean air Act. Discusses homelessness, building safety after Grenfell tragedy, and the lack of progress in delivering on housing promises. Raises concerns about low pay, insecure work conditions, disability pay gap, and the impact of austerity measures on disabled people.
Battersea
The Labour MP criticised the Government's Disability Confident scheme, calling for more accountability and mandatory reporting requirements. She highlighted the limited awareness of the Access to Work scheme and proposed expanding it to include disabled individuals seeking work experience or volunteering opportunities. De Cordova also emphasised the need for systemic changes in social security assessments, citing a high overturn rate at appeal tribunals and deaths linked to unfair assessments.
Caroline Ansell
Con
Eastbourne
The Conservative MP highlighted her personal journey from teacher to Member of Parliament after her son was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She emphasised the importance of economic prosperity for public services, and detailed local initiatives such as Project SEARCH supporting young adults with learning disabilities and Reformed East Sussex assisting ex-offenders in finding employment. Ansell also discussed tourism, conferencing, fisheries, and digital industries in Eastbourne, alongside her support for levelling up across her constituency.
Mims Davies
Con
East Grinstead and Uckfield
She briefly mentioned the Beachy Head half marathon event, which was previously referenced by Caroline Ansell. She acknowledged the event's significance in her speech.
Marcus Fysh
Con
Yeovil
Fysh highlights his constituency's needs, including high street regeneration through business rates reform, investment in infrastructure such as the A303 and Stonehenge tunnel, and the importance of further education colleges for skills development. He also mentions the helicopter industry in Yeovil, emphasising its economic significance and advocating for reforms to support defence procurement.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Holden agrees with Fysh's point on increasing business rates discounts, supporting the government's measures aimed at helping small businesses across the country.
Ben Everitt
21:06:00
Everitt suggests reallocating HS2 funding to local infrastructure improvements like the Stonehenge tunnel and other projects beneficial for his constituency.
Mark Menzies
21:06:00
Menzies concurs with Fysh's emphasis on retaining sovereign capabilities in aerospace sectors, highlighting potential opportunities for Leonardo’s AW149 to replace ageing Puma fleets and support local employment.
Brighton, Kemptown
The Chancellor's view that everything is fine does not reflect the reality of workers struggling with casual contracts or families relying on food banks despite being in full-time work. The introduction of a real living wage and collective action by unions are crucial for improving life standards. Government underfunding in education and public services forces people into poverty conditions.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
The new Government should not underestimate the scale of opportunities for change as they leave the EU. The UK needs to reshape its case for capitalism by placing entrepreneurs, small businesses, and innovators at the heart of it. Reviewing shareholder value primacy and governance codes can curtail excesses and make companies more accountable. Free trade should be a hallmark of foreign policy, with urgent reform needed in data-based markets and digital platforms.
Cynon Valley
Condemned Government policy that has led to record levels of child poverty, deep-rooted inequality, low wages, insecure work conditions, inadequate social security systems, and severe cuts in public services. Called for radical action including abolition of the two-child limit in universal credit, provision of free school meals, improvement in employment status laws, proper funding for childcare, and investment in skills training.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Blackford questioned Coffey's vision for women denied their pension under the 1950s women rule, asking about support for those affected by the delayed pension implementation.
Government Response
Defended government's policies, criticised Labour for focusing on past complaints rather than addressing current issues. Emphasised achievements in schools, NHS, crime reduction and Brexit progress.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.