Economic Growth 2025-12-11
2025-12-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
In Wrexham, over 1,200 people are employed in the hospitality industry. The question follows measures announced in the Budget to support the sector.
As someone with a long career in the hospitality industry before being elected, I know that it plays a vital role for high streets and communities by providing local jobs and boosting economies. In Wrexham alone, over 1,200 people are employed in the sector. Alongside measures announced in the Budget, will the Minister set out what the Government is doing to support the beer and pubs sector as part of their plans to revitalise high streets, strengthen local economies, and safeguard hospitality jobs in Wrexham and beyond?
My hon. Friend refers to his long career in the hospitality industry. I agree that the hospitality sector needs proper recognition as a serious career path. In Wales via Pub is the Hub, we are committed to helping rural pubs diversify. We will continue supporting such initiatives to ensure the sustainability of the beer and pubs sector.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific measures announced in the Budget or concrete steps for Wrexham.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
NATS, headquartered in Central Ayrshire, employs around 500 people there and is a key provider of air traffic control services globally.
My constituency is home to NATS, the leading provider of air traffic control services with 5,000 employees across the UK and 500 in Central Ayrshire. Will the Minister meet me to discuss this great British success story and how we can continue to champion it?
I agree with my hon. Friend that the aviation industry is an important sector identified in our industrial strategy. I am happy to meet him to see how we can drive forward ambitions in this key area.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not specify a meeting date or concrete support measures for NATS and the aviation industry.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Lib Dems advocate for a new customs union with the EU to grow the economy post-Brexit.
The Minister mentioned earlier the economic disaster of Brexit, costing £250 million in tax revenue daily according to Commons research. We want the Government to focus on growing the economy by considering a new customs union with the EU. Is it not time for the Government to look at this option?
Far be it from me to agree with a Lib Dem but broadly speaking I do. The truth is Brexit was a self-inflicted shock, costing 4% drop in productivity, 15% drop in trade, £100 billion hit to GDP and 16,000 fewer businesses exporting into Europe.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to considering a new customs union with the EU but acknowledged negative impacts of Brexit.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Local chamber of commerce expressed concerns about the economic impact on businesses, especially in hospitality.
I met my local chamber of commerce recently where a hospitality business predicted costs to rise by £150,000 next year and not survive. Surely we need key measures to support hospitality that is facing crisis?
We are looking at issues in the round. We ensure bills get paid on time, access to finance is easier, businesses can diversify more with our Department's help. I am happy to meet people from your constituency if they want.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide concrete measures but acknowledged the need for support in hospitality.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Lib Dems' stance on the Unemployment Bill was inconsistent, leading to its loss in the House of Lords due to peers not wanting anything to do with it.
The Liberal Democrats lost a vote in the House of Lords last night on the unemployment Bill because 144 of their own peers did not want anything to do with that Bill. Does the Minister agree British businesses would have an entirely fair case to dismiss Lib Dems?
My hon. Member seems lost. Under Labour, average growth is 2.2% vs 1.5% under Tories, employment 75% vs 73.8%, inflation 1.8% vs 3.2%. We do not create a healthy and wealthy society ignoring workers' rights.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the inconsistency but highlighted Labour's economic performance.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses significant economic issues caused by Brexit, including loss of tax receipts, reduced exports from small firms to the EU, and increased costs for businesses. The speaker references the Prime Minister's chief economic adviser recommending a customs union with the EU.
I listened carefully to the Minister’s response to my hon. Friend the Member for Bath (Wera Hobhouse). Some £90 billion is being lost every year in tax receipts, 20,000 small firms have stopped all exports to the EU and 33% of currently trading businesses are experiencing extra costs. The Prime Minister’s chief economic adviser has recommended a customs union with the EU. The Deputy Prime Minister has also suggested that countries within a customs union tend to see stronger economic growth, and the Minister agrees, so what is his Government going to do about it?
We are going to get the best possible deal that we can out of the European Union. That is one of the reasons that I was in Brussels only yesterday alongside Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Minister for the Cabinet Office. We are getting a better deal from the European Union. We want to ensure that we have frictionless trade with the EU—that was what was promised by the ragtag and bobtail of that lot on the Conservative Benches—and that is what we will deliver.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific actions and economic measures requested were not provided, only general promises about securing a better deal with the EU.
Response accuracy