paid for by spending cuts and tax rises elsewhere? and with a general election imminent, how will the budget go down beyond westminster? i'm in newcastle hearing from local businesses and community leaders about what they want from the budget and getting their reaction to what the chancellor announces. yes, it's budget mike day. the day has finally arrived. one of the few remaining set pieces were the government gets the opportunity to set out its agenda before the general election. whenever that happens. we will talk about speculation on a date later. it will be important to hear how the chancellor, jeremy hunt, presents the decisions that he makes today, because we have heard quite a lot about what is going to be in this budget. let's give you a flavour of that on some of the front pages. the times, jeremy hunt seeks to win over voters with £900 tax cut. a combination of 2p cut in national insurance now, and in the autumn, when he announced it. asi as i say, we will certainly get into talk of elections in a moment. chris and faisal, there has been endless speculation and reports about particularly the issue of tax cuts and how far the chancellor would go. it has certainly been obsessing conservative mps on this programme over the past few months. but it looks as if that cut is going to happen. what would you guess at tomorrow's headlines being once he has announced his budget? that’s tomorrow's headlines being once he has announced his budget?- has announced his budget? that's a aood has announced his budget? that's a good question- _ has announced his budget? that's a good question. it _ has announced his budget? that's a good question. it is _ has announced his budget? that's a good question. it is interesting - has announced his budget? that's a good question. it is interesting to l good question. it is interesting to ponder whatjeremy hunt would hope those headlines are, and what they turn out to be. not least because he has had a fair smattering of headlines which could be, if you had landed another planet, the paper is the day after a budget rather than the day after a budget rather than the day after a budget rather than the day of a budget. given that we have been reporting since yesterday what is a substantial tax cut with these 2p from national insurance. the intriguing thing for me is, is there any scope for something else around the whole question of a tax for workers? around the whole question of a tax forworkers? labour, around the whole question of a tax for workers? labour, they have done some number crunching, they reckon that his room for manoeuvre might be a little greater than he is letting on. does that allow an extra penny elsewhere on income tax? the argument others this megan government is, no, that is not, in theirjudgment, in their choice, affordable. therefore, may be instead there is talk of that being a prospect on the track, either in another fiscal event before an election, orsomething another fiscal event before an election, or something the conservatives talk about in terms of a manifesto. i5 conservatives talk about in terms of a manifesta— a manifesto. is that because the 2p cut he announced _ a manifesto. is that because the 2p cut he announced in _ a manifesto. is that because the 2p cut he announced in the _ a manifesto. is that because the 2p cut he announced in the autumn i cut he announced in the autumn statement that has onlyjust come in, that cut to national insurance that we have already had, has not moved the dial forward? it that we have already had, has not moved the dial forward?- moved the dial forward? it hasn't moved the dial forward? it hasn't moved the _ moved the dial forward? it hasn't moved the dial. there _ moved the dial forward? it hasn't moved the dial. there is - moved the dial forward? it hasn't moved the dial. there is a - moved the dial forward? it hasn't moved the dial. there is a fear i moved the dial. there is a fear among conservative mps that whatever they do now, a substantial chunk of they do now, a substantial chunk of the electorate are simply not listening. now you might argue that if you can't move the dial much with 2p, maybe you can with a combined 4p on national insurance. there is a counterargument that says it may not have moved the dial in a positive sense, but maybe the dial would be more negative if it hadn't happened. therefore, maybe i did move the dial, itjust left it where it was as opposed to it slipping more negatively. they will make a broader argument that says, look, this show is where our instincts light, which is where our instincts light, which is what they aspire to do. what is where our instincts light, which is what they aspire to do.- is what they aspire to do. what is the message _ is what they aspire to do. what is the message broadly _ is what they aspire to do. what is the message broadly that - is what they aspire to do. what is the message broadly that jeremy| is what they aspire to do. what is - the message broadly that jeremy hunt the message broadly thatjeremy hunt will want to get across today? it may be reflected in tomorrow's papers. i may be reflected in tomorrow's -a ers. . , may be reflected in tomorrow's “aers_ ., , , may be reflected in tomorrow's “aers_ ., i, ,y may be reflected in tomorrow's --aers. . i, _ , papers. i am very struck by the use of this word. _ papers. i am very struck by the use of this word, as _ papers. i am very struck by the use of this word, as we'd _ papers. i am very struck by the use of this word, as we'd expect, - of this word, as we'd expect, turning — of this word, as we'd expect, turning point, because actually, it -ets turning point, because actually, it gets to— turning point, because actually, it gets to that, 2p didn't move the diet _ gets to that, 2p didn't move the diet you — gets to that, 2p didn't move the dial. you get further along the curve — dial. you get further along the curve of— dial. you get further along the curve of a _ dial. you get further along the curve of a turning point of taxes, which, _ curve of a turning point of taxes, which, let's— curve of a turning point of taxes, which, let's be clear, have gone up, substantially, accompanying a bigger state. _ substantially, accompanying a bigger state, which the conservatives say was not _ state, which the conservatives say was not their instinct, but a necessity— was not their instinct, but a necessity as a result of the pandemic, as a result of the energy shock_ pandemic, as a result of the energy shock from — pandemic, as a result of the energy shock from the russian invasion of ukraine _ shock from the russian invasion of ukraine. we have a bigger stage, we have higher— ukraine. we have a bigger stage, we have higher taxes. we are starting to turn_ have higher taxes. we are starting to turn that — have higher taxes. we are starting to turn that around. then in the hackdmp, — to turn that around. then in the backdrop, the message, which is tougher. — backdrop, the message, which is tougher, particularly because of the move _ tougher, particularly because of the move into _ tougher, particularly because of the move into recession, is that he economy— move into recession, is that he economy has started to turn too, there _ economy has started to turn too, there are — economy has started to turn too, there are all sorts of arguments there _ there are all sorts of arguments there about how much people will feel that — there about how much people will feelthat. do there about how much people will feel that. do they give credit to the government? how much do they blame _ the government? how much do they blame global factors versus what happens — blame global factors versus what happens in government? you mentioned recession. happens in government? you mentioned recession- not — happens in government? you mentioned recession. not an _ happens in government? you mentioned recession. not an ideal— happens in government? you mentioned recession. not an ideal backdrop - happens in government? you mentioned recession. not an ideal backdrop for - recession. not an ideal backdrop for any chance to be unveiling a financial statement, a budget. let's show our viewers this graph. this is since rishi sunak became prime minister. he was chancellor before that. you can see theirs is since 2022, the end of 2022, economic growth has been pumping pretty much along the bottom. but importantly, those last two quarters of 2023, it drops into negative growth. and of course the definition is that if you have two consecutive quarters of negative growth, it's a recession. difficult to see how you sell a turning point when we are in recession?— turning point when we are in recession? yes, presentation extremely — recession? yes, presentation extremely difficult _ recession? yes, presentation extremely difficult for - recession? yes, presentation extremely difficult for the - extremely difficult for the government to say that. the bigger picture _ government to say that. the bigger picture is _ government to say that. the bigger picture is zero. and if what we had at the _ picture is zero. and if what we had at the end — picture is zero. and if what we had at the end of last year is only a technical— at the end of last year is only a technical recession, a dip into recession. _ technical recession, a dip into recession, the flip side of that is we have — recession, the flip side of that is we have only had technical growth, reattv _ we have only had technical growth, reattv and — we have only had technical growth, really. and that is going to continue _ really. and that is going to continue for the next couple of quarters — continue for the next couple of quarters. we may well already be out of that, _ quarters. we may well already be out of that, this _ quarters. we may well already be out of that, this recession, but this flat picture _ of that, this recession, but this flat picture makes you susceptible to these _ flat picture makes you susceptible to these dips in recession. and in general— to these dips in recession. and in general that flat picture is what the chancellor says he is going to try to _ the chancellor says he is going to try to deal— the chancellor says he is going to try to deal with, with a tax cut focused — try to deal with, with a tax cut focused on _ try to deal with, with a tax cut focused on workers, and becomes one of the _ focused on workers, and becomes one of the key— focused on workers, and becomes one of the key background arguments for the election. the opposition plans for growth — the election. the opposition plans for growth would be too. we�*ll the election. the opposition plans for growth would be too. we'll get to that with _ for growth would be too. we'll get to that with a _ for growth would be too. we'll get to that with a minister _ for growth would be too. we'll get to that with a minister and - for growth would be too. we'll get i to that with a minister and shadow minister. the question at the heart of this, which is the old ronald reagan question is, do you feel better off? do people feel better off after ia years of conservative government, or even the last year or so? the reason they might not is because of what has happened to inflation. and again, we can show you as the inflation consumer prices index. take you back to 2021. 0.7% at the beginning of 2021. for the reasons we now come a pandemic, the energy shock in part has contributed to this whopping rise in inflation which peaked in october 2022 at ii.i%. it has which peaked in october 2022 at ii.i%. it has come down quite substantially to a% in january, ii.i%. it has come down quite substantially to a% injanuary, the target are being 2%. this is the rate of inflation. i target are being 2%. this is the rate of inflation.— rate of inflation. i think it is important _ rate of inflation. i think it is important to _ rate of inflation. i think it is important to note _ rate of inflation. i think it is important to note that - rate of inflation. i think it is important to note that is i rate of inflation. i think it is important to note that is a l rate of inflation. i think it is - important to note that is a turning point _ important to note that is a turning point. previous experiences of double — point. previous experiences of double digit in place and has lasted for a year— double digit in place and has lasted for a year or two. there was a point where _ for a year or two. there was a point where it— for a year or two. there was a point where it reached 10%. it hasn't this time _ where it reached 10%. it hasn't this time how— where it reached 10%. it hasn't this time. how much credit goes to the government versus the bank of england...? government versus the bank of england- - - ?_ government versus the bank of encland...? , . england. . . ? they take credit when it toes england. . . ? they take credit when it aoes down england. . . ? they take credit when it goes down and _ england. . . ? they take credit when it goes down and distance _ england. . . ? they take credit when it goes down and distance themselves| goes down and distance themselves when it goes up. it goes down and distance themselves when it goes up— when it goes up. it wasn't preordained _ when it goes up. it wasn't preordained that - when it goes up. it wasn't preordained that 1196 - when it goes up. it wasn'tl preordained that 11% would when it goes up. it wasn't - preordained that 11% would come down _ preordained that 11% would come down. there are global factors, as you rightly— down. there are global factors, as you rightly point out, on the downside. but if you are going to have _ downside. but if you are going to have this — downside. but if you are going to have this benefit of having the blame — have this benefit of having the blame for hitting 11%, maybe there is some _ blame for hitting 11%, maybe there is some soupcon of benefit for having — is some soupcon of benefit for having gone down. do is some soupcon of benefit for having gone down.— is some soupcon of benefit for having gone down. do people feel better off? _ having gone down. do people feel better off? prices _ having gone down. do people feel better off? prices are _ having gone down. do people feel better off? prices are still - having gone down. do people feel better off? prices are still rising. l better off? prices are still rising. they are rising more slowly because we can show though these three important key fundamentals. since 21 and 2a, over the last three years, 20% increase in clothing, 31% increase in food inflation, which has been particularly stubborn, and because of the energy shock, 90% increase in energy. will people feel better off? ., , , increase in energy. will people feel better off? ., , ., increase in energy. will people feel better off? ., , , ., , better off? probably not is the truth. people _ better off? probably not is the truth. people will— better off? probably not is the truth. people will feel- better off? probably not is the truth. people will feel all - better off? probably not is the truth. people will feel all of i better off? probably not is the . truth. people will feel all of these things these charts reveal, that you have a situation where the tax burden has been through the roof. where the cost of living is significant. and that backdrop is sufficiently dominant that it's incredibly difficult for a chancellor, even a couple of fiscal event, is westminster likes to call them, autumn statements, budgets, to fundamentally shift the bigger picture. instead they can try to point to a direction of travel both economically and politically, which i think we will get quite a lot of from the centre at lunchtime, as we did in the autumn. but that backdrop is so significant because the events that shaped it, as faisal was talking about, have been so significant, whether it is the pandemic, the war in ukraine, or as we saw politically, all of the stuff around liz truss's ten in goma. shifting that economic and political drug —— backdrop is incredibly difficult. i drug -- backdrop is incredibly difficult. . , , drug -- backdrop is incredibly difficult. ., , , , difficult. i actually put this question _ difficult. i actually put this question to _ difficult. i actually put this question to the _ difficult. i actually put this question to the chancellori difficult. i actually put this i question to the chancellor on the daily— question to the chancellor on the daily recession was confirmed. he said something interesting. he is normally— said something interesting. he is normally very careful when talking about _ normally very careful when talking about it _ normally very careful when talking about it and giving in. he said to me. _ about it and giving in. he said to me. i_ about it and giving in. he said to me. ican't— about it and giving in. he said to me, i can't remember the direct code, _ me, i can't remember the direct code, but— me, i can't remember the direct code, but he said the turning point will come — code, but he said the turning point will come when the banking and starts _ will come when the banking and starts to— will come when the banking and starts to cut interest rates. a little _ starts to cut interest rates. a little bit — starts to cut interest rates. a little bit of a nudge there. he is normally— little bit of a nudge there. he is normally careful. what's happened is, as— normally careful. what's happened is, as well— normally careful. what's happened is, as well as the chart you have shown— is, as well as the chart you have shown that _ is, as well as the chart you have shown that showing all the different commodities, mortgage costs have .one commodities, mortgage costs have gone up _ commodities, mortgage costs have gone up so — commodities, mortgage costs have gone up so differently. we are talking — gone up so differently. we are talking hundreds of pounds per month — talking hundreds of pounds per month. that is an extraordinary amount~ — month. that is an extraordinary amount. context here. the national insurance _ amount. context here. the national insurance cut, add both together, we are talking _ insurance cut, add both together, we are talking £90 a month. that is noticeable — are talking £90 a month. that is noticeable hundreds of pounds a month — noticeable hundreds of pounds a month. non—negligible, iwould say. but he _ month. non—negligible, iwould say. but he wav— month. non—negligible, iwould say. but he way that up, it's almost like they are _ but he way that up, it's almost like they are waiting for the bank of england to cut or, to confirm to the nation _ england to cut or, to confirm to the nation that— england to cut or, to confirm to the nation that we have turned a corner. is nation that we have turned a corner. is there _ nation that we have turned a corner. is there any— nation that we have turned a corner. is there any indication of when that might be? people are talked about june, which could of course, be another factor june, which could of course, be anotherfactor in when june, which could of course, be another factor in when the election may be called. but that would be an important moment?— may be called. but that would be an important moment? despite the fact, as ou important moment? despite the fact, as you shout. — important moment? despite the fact, as you shout. the _ important moment? despite the fact, as you shout, the mood _ important moment? despite the fact, as you shout, the mood music - important moment? despite the fact, as you shout, the mood music we i important moment? despite the fact, as you shout, the mood music we geti as you shout, the mood music we get from them _ as you shout, the mood music we get from them is — as you shout, the mood music we get from them is that they are just waiting — from them is that they are just waiting to _ from them is that they are just waiting to be absolutely sure inflation has not spread everywhere and is _ inflation has not spread everywhere and is more... we inflation has not spread everywhere and is more. . ._ and is more... we have 'ust seen rishi sunak * and is more... we have 'ust seen rishi sunak leaving i and is more. .. we have just seen rishi sunak leaving number- and is more... we have just seen rishi sunak leaving number 10 i and is more... we have just seen i rishi sunak leaving number 10 making the shortjourney to the westminster —— palace of westminster. the the shortjourney to the westminster -- palace of westminster. the prime minister seems _ -- palace of westminster. the prime minister seems to _ -- palace of westminster. the prime minister seems to leave _ -- palace of westminster. the prime minister seems to leave the - -- palace of westminster. the prime minister seems to leave the front i minister seems to leave the front door without incident. i was in downing street have and are going the chancellor came out to do his photo call with the red box and his team of ministers. and the car was there just down the street. snappers waiting to get the moment of the chancellor walking with his red box to the land rover, range rover, get in it and head off. and he turned round and went back into number 11, stood with his nose pressed against the door. ~ . . stood with his nose pressed against the door. ~ ., ., , ., stood with his nose pressed against the door. ~ ., ., ., ., | the door. what have you forgotten? i don't know! — the door. what have you forgotten? i don't know! had _ the door. what have you forgotten? i don't know! had he _ the door. what have you forgotten? i don't know! had he left _ the door. what have you forgotten? i don't know! had he left at _ the door. what have you forgotten? i don't know! had he left at the - don't know! had he left at the garcon? he had to knock on his own front door. 30 seconds later he emerged out of number 10. it’s emerged out of number 10. it's convenient _ emerged out of number 10. it's convenient that you can move from number 11 to number convenient that you can move from number11 to number10. convenient that you can move from number 11 to number 10. in convenient that you can move from number11 to number10._ number11 to number10. in these da s of number11 to number10. in these days of choreography _ number11 to number10. in these days of choreography you - number11 to number10. in these days of choreography you get i days of choreography you get splashes of absurdity. stand days of choreography you get splashes of absurdity. and high drama. splashes of absurdity. and high drama- on _ splashes of absurdity. and high drama- on a — splashes of absurdity. and high drama. on a point _ splashes of absurdity. and high drama. on a point on _ splashes of absurdity. and high drama. on a point on rishi i splashes of absurdity. and high i drama. on a point on rishi sunak, because of course he was former chancellor, and how closely he and jeremy hunt have worked together on this particular budget, the tension in terms of perhaps how far to go in terms of any tax cuts?— in terms of perhaps how far to go in terms of any tax cuts? yes, when you have a prime — terms of any tax cuts? yes, when you have a prime minister— terms of any tax cuts? yes, when you have a prime minister who _ terms of any tax cuts? yes, when you have a prime minister who was i have a prime minister who was campaigning to be prime minister and talked about the desire to cut income tax. cutting income tax macro makes for a better headline. it's more instantly understandable. the catch is it is mark spencer. there is a danger it may be inflationary as well. so, that tussle, that juggle as well. so, that tussle, that juggle has been going on. and we will see the extent to which it plays out both in what is announced today, and in what might be trailed for the future. that will be in an hour. . , for the future. that will be in an hour. ., , ,. for the future. that will be in an houn ., , ,. . hour. that is the scene and the debate here — hour. that is the scene and the debate here in _ hour. that is the scene and the debate here in west _ hour. that is the scene and the debate here in west mr. it i hour. that is the scene and the debate here in west mr. it is l hour. that is the scene and the| debate here in west mr. it is an election year. and everything that the government and the opposition parties do is always closely defined by what that election strategy might be and what people beyond westminster think of what will be announced today in that all—important budget. let's go to the north—east, to newcastle, speak to our political correspondent there, luke walton. he is testing there, luke walton. he is testing the temperature of business people and community leaders in newcastle. iamon i am on the balcony of the pitcher and piano bar on the iconic tyne quayside. the famous bridges behind me. a bit cold and dampier only because of this so can the budget to because of this so can the budget to be a real sunshine? because of this so can the budget to be a realsunshine? i because of this so can the budget to be a real sunshine? i am with three people with very different perspectives on that. first and radcliffe, the chief executive of the s group, a housing developer based in county durham, what do you want to see from the chancer? some su ort want to see from the chancer? some su- ort for want to see from the chancer? some support for housing, _ want to see from the chancer? some support for housing, to _ want to see from the chancer? some support for housing, to help - want to see from the chancer? some support for housing, to help deliver the volume — support for housing, to help deliver the volume of housing we definitely need in _ the volume of housing we definitely need in the country. the private housing — need in the country. the private housing market is in this state of disarray— housing market is in this state of disarray as— housing market is in this state of disarray as it adjusts to the new reality _ disarray as it adjusts to the new reality of — disarray as it adjusts to the new reality of interest rates and levels we haven't— reality of interest rates and levels we haven't seen for 20 years. there is talk— we haven't seen for 20 years. there is talk of— we haven't seen for 20 years. there is talk of a _ we haven't seen for 20 years. there is talk of a 99% mortgage guarantee scheme _ is talk of a 99% mortgage guarantee scheme which may have some merit but it unless _ scheme which may have some merit but it unless lenders come forward with products— it unless lenders come forward with products that are more attractive for buyers — products that are more attractive for buyers i can see it having an impact — for buyers i can see it having an impact on — for buyers i can see it having an impact on demand and the help to buy scheme _ impact on demand and the help to buy scheme was _ impact on demand and the help to buy scheme was much more impactful. levelling _ scheme was much more impactful. levelling up was a big promise from the conservatives to this part of the conservatives to this part of the world. are you seeing that and do you want more? brute the world. are you seeing that and do you want more?— the world. are you seeing that and do you want more? we have seen some aood do you want more? we have seen some good success — do you want more? we have seen some good success in — do you want more? we have seen some good success in the _ do you want more? we have seen some good success in the levelling _ do you want more? we have seen some good success in the levelling up - good success in the levelling up bids in — good success in the levelling up bids in the north—east particularly and a _ bids in the north—east particularly and a scheme we are carrying out of here, _ and a scheme we are carrying out of here, the _ and a scheme we are carrying out of here, the major tyne bridge refurbishment as an example of major investment— refurbishment as an example of major investment but we need more. we have some world—class businesses but we need to— some world—class businesses but we need to invest in infrastructure, connectivity to allow them to attract — connectivity to allow them to attract investment and talent. clearty — attract investment and talent. clearly there is speculation that in terms of long—term public spending it may be squeezed in the budget, would that wear you in terms of a company that gets involved infrastructure building? absolutely. we need to invest _ infrastructure building? absolutely. we need to invest a _ infrastructure building? absolutely. we need to invest a level— infrastructure building? absolutely. we need to invest a level of- infrastructure building? absolutely. we need to invest a level of the i we need to invest a level of the country— we need to invest a level of the country in — we need to invest a level of the country in these major projects, build _ country in these major projects, build housing and so people can work and live _ build housing and so people can work and live in— build housing and so people can work and live in the right places so it is quite — and live in the right places so it is quite concerning if we have to see depressed level investment in the north—east. see depressed level investment in the north-east.— see depressed level investment in the north-east. amanda baillie, the director of the _ the north-east. amanda baillie, the director of the north-east _ the north-east. amanda baillie, the director of the north-east child i director of the north—east child poverty commission which researches and lobbies on that issue, what would you like to see from jeremy hunt? ~ ., ., ., , ., hunt? we need to hear what the plan is for children _ hunt? we need to hear what the plan is for children and _ hunt? we need to hear what the plan is for children and young _ hunt? we need to hear what the plan is for children and young people i hunt? we need to hear what the plan is for children and young people and l is for children and young people and particularly on the very lowest incomes in places like the north—east. we all know the north—east. we all know the north—east can be the most fantastic place to live and grow up and raise a family but that isn't for everybody. untilwe a family but that isn't for everybody. until we make it a place where every child and young person can reach their potential we aren't going to do that as a region as a whole and the reality is our region has seen the steepest increases in child poverty of anywhere in the country over most of the last decade and one in five children in the north—east are living in deep or very deep poverty at that level of inequality and hardship is not acceptable in what remains one of the wealthiest countries in the world. , . , , ., world. these are deep-seated long-term _ world. these are deep-seated long-term problems - world. these are deep-seated long-term problems but i world. these are deep-seated long-term problems but what| world. these are deep-seated i long-term problems but what could long—term problems but what could the chancellor do today to make a difference? in the chancellor do today to make a difference?— the chancellor do today to make a difference? . difference? in the immediate term we need to see an — difference? in the immediate term we need to see an urgent _ difference? in the immediate term we need to see an urgent extension i difference? in the immediate term we need to see an urgent extension of i need to see an urgent extension of the household support fund which has helped families an immediate crisis over most of the last two years of. that is due to end. that over most of the last two years of. that is due to end.— that is due to end. at the end of this month- _ that is due to end. at the end of this month. in _ that is due to end. at the end of this month. in the _ that is due to end. at the end of this month. in the longer i that is due to end. at the end of this month. in the longer term l this month. in the longer term what is the bigger picture and the bigger vision for children and young people? we need a government prepared to commit to ending child poverty, a cross government and cross departmental ambitious plan to say this is wrong, that we have this level of inequality in our country and particularly in the north—east and particularly in the north—east and we are going to invest in children and families.- and we are going to invest in children and families. when you hear public-sector — children and families. when you hear public-sector spending _ children and families. when you hear public-sector spending may - children and families. when you hear public-sector spending may be i public—sector spending may be squeezed in some departments in the coming years what does it raise for you? it coming years what does it raise for ou? , , . ., . . coming years what does it raise for ou? , . you? it is very concerning. we know well the services _ you? it is very concerning. we know well the services and _ you? it is very concerning. we know well the services and support i you? it is very concerning. we know well the services and support that i well the services and support that families and children royale are already overstretched in the region weathered to schools or colleges or you services or local authorities. particularly concerning is that is going to be stretched by paying the price of a national insurance cuts that will disproportionately not benefit the north—east so we may pay the price of a cat that actually benefits people in london and the south—east the most. benefits people in london and the south-east the most.— south-east the most. johnson fernandez _ south-east the most. johnson fernandez is _ south-east the most. johnson fernandez is the _ south-east the most. johnson fernandez is the founder i south-east the most. johnson fernandez is the founder of i south-east the most. johnson fernandez is the founder of a | fernandez is the founder of a gateshead —based tech firm. you are very much a growing company, what, chancellor do to encourage more businesses like that in this part of the world? it businesses like that in this part of the world? , ., . ., the world? it is a challenging time for everyone- _ the world? it is a challenging time for everyone. what _ the world? it is a challenging time for everyone. what i _ the world? it is a challenging time for everyone. what i would i the world? it is a challenging time for everyone. what i would like i the world? it is a challenging time for everyone. what i would like to| for everyone. what i would like to see is— for everyone. what i would like to see is a _ for everyone. what i would like to see is a commitment _ for everyone. what i would like to see is a commitment to _ for everyone. what i would like to see is a commitment to continue i see is a commitment to continue spending — see is a commitment to continue spending on _ see is a commitment to continue spending on innovation - see is a commitment to continue spending on innovation becausel spending on innovation because spending — spending on innovation because spending on _ spending on innovation because spending on innovation - spending on innovation because spending on innovation createsl spending on innovation because i spending on innovation creates more businesses _ spending on innovation creates more businesses like — spending on innovation creates more businesses like ours, _ spending on innovation creates more businesses like ours, more - spending on innovation creates more businesses like ours, more jobs- spending on innovation creates more businesses like ours, more jobs andi businesses like ours, more jobs and that is— businesses like ours, more jobs and that is how— businesses like ours, more jobs and that is how the _ businesses like ours, more jobs and that is how the economy— businesses like ours, more jobs and that is how the economy can - businesses like ours, more jobs and that is how the economy can move i that is how the economy can move forward _ that is how the economy can move forward. t, that is how the economy can move forward. a, that is how the economy can move forward. ., ., forward. you were telling me that actually being _ forward. you were telling me that actually being based _ forward. you were telling me that actually being based in _ forward. you were telling me that actually being based in gateshead forward. you were telling me that l actually being based in gateshead it is harder to attract investment and it would be if you're in london. that is right and it is all part of levelling — that is right and it is all part of levelling up~ _ that is right and it is all part of levelling up. we _ that is right and it is all part of levelling up. we need - that is right and it is all part of levelling up. we need more . levelling up. we need more connectivity— levelling up. we need more connectivity and _ levelling up. we need more connectivity and presence l levelling up. we need more| connectivity and presence of investors. _ connectivity and presence of investors, more _ connectivity and presence of investors, more regional- connectivity and presence of. investors, more regionalfunds, connectivity and presence of - investors, more regionalfunds, so that we_ investors, more regionalfunds, so that we can — investors, more regionalfunds, so that we can retain _ investors, more regionalfunds, so that we can retain talent _ investors, more regionalfunds, so that we can retain talent as - investors, more regionalfunds, so that we can retain talent as well i investors, more regionalfunds, soi that we can retain talent as well as acquire _ that we can retain talent as well as acquire new— that we can retain talent as well as acquire new talent _ that we can retain talent as well as acquire new talent and _ that we can retain talent as well as acquire new talent and sent - that we can retain talent as well as acquire new talent and sent to - that we can retain talent as well as acquire new talent and sent to our| acquire new talent and sent to our business — acquire new talent and sent to our business. , ., ,, ., business. the big headline we know about is the — business. the big headline we know about is the national— business. the big headline we know about is the national insurance - business. the big headline we know about is the national insurance cut, i about is the national insurance cut, another, is that good news for your company and your staff? challenging times again- — company and your staff? challenging times again. households _ company and your staff? challenging times again. households are - company and your staff? challenging times again. households are trying l times again. households are trying to reduce _ times again. households are trying to reduce the — times again. households are trying to reduce the spend _ times again. households are trying to reduce the spend on _ times again. households are trying to reduce the spend on clothing - times again. households are trying i to reduce the spend on clothing and energy— to reduce the spend on clothing and energy bills — to reduce the spend on clothing and energy bills we _ to reduce the spend on clothing and energy bills. we have _ to reduce the spend on clothing and energy bills. we have seen - to reduce the spend on clothing and| energy bills. we have seen evidence of that— energy bills. we have seen evidence of that in— energy bills. we have seen evidence of that in our— energy bills. we have seen evidence of that in our business _ energy bills. we have seen evidence of that in our business where - energy bills. we have seen evidence of that in our business where by- of that in our business where by reducing energy— of that in our business where by reducing energy demand - of that in our business where by reducing energy demand at - of that in our business where by| reducing energy demand at peak of that in our business where by- reducing energy demand at peak times households— reducing energy demand at peak times households can — reducing energy demand at peak times households can get _ reducing energy demand at peak times households can get pennies _ reducing energy demand at peak times households can get pennies which - reducing energy demand at peak times households can get pennies which are i households can get pennies which are up households can get pennies which are up and _ households can get pennies which are up and this— households can get pennies which are up and this is— households can get pennies which are up and this is the _ households can get pennies which are up and this is the same _ households can get pennies which are up and this is the same measure - households can get pennies which are up and this is the same measure the. up and this is the same measure the government— up and this is the same measure the government is— up and this is the same measure the government is trying _ up and this is the same measure the government is trying to _ up and this is the same measure the government is trying to do - up and this is the same measure the government is trying to do by- government is trying to do by focusing — government is trying to do by focusing on— government is trying to do by focusing on the _ government is trying to do by focusing on the sum - government is trying to do by focusing on the sum of- government is trying to do by. focusing on the sum of marginal gains, _ focusing on the sum of marginal gains, things— focusing on the sum of marginal gains, things like _ focusing on the sum of marginal gains, things like national- gains, things like national insurance, _ gains, things like national insurance, i— gains, things like national insurance, ithink- gains, things like national insurance, i think that - gains, things like national insurance, i think that is. gains, things like national insurance, i think that is a gains, things like national- insurance, i think that is a great way forward _ insurance, i think that is a great way forward-— insurance, i think that is a great way forward. thank you to all my ruests. way forward. thank you to all my guests- a — way forward. thank you to all my guests- a long — way forward. thank you to all my guests. a long wish _ way forward. thank you to all my guests. a long wish list - way forward. thank you to all my guests. a long wish list for - way forward. thank you to all my guests. a long wish list for the l guests. a long wish list for the chancellor. we will find out very soon how much of it he can deliver. studio: thank you. we will return to you and your guests after the budget and get their reaction. just listening and getting a flavour, faisal, of what business people would like to see, where are we in terms of levels of investment and what can they hope for?— what can they hope for? britain still has a _ what can they hope for? britain still has a productivity - what can they hope for? britain still has a productivity problem | still has a productivity problem which is the foundation for rising living standards and growth and rising gdp per capita, the sides of the economy per person. that is why the economy per person. that is why the chancellor devoted half of his taxed cutting energy and power and funding towards business expensing in the last autumn statement. i won't get anything like that again. there is the space. this is focused on personal tax cuts. within that focuses on workers so they hope that helps to not solve but ameliorate one of the key problems in the economy which is shortage of workers, put this together and my cognition is your talking may be 50 or 60,000 extra workers, hundreds of thousands of extra hours worked as a result of something focused on working. but so are some of the reforms around the edges. there is talk of british isa which would focus the tax subsidies to saving and investment is in the uk. that is interesting, returns to uk investments have been pretty poor in the stock market and a lot of people with savings have chosen to invest in american stock markets and others which have been growing faster, so that will be in a neat but important audience, a big thing if he goes through with that, he has been hinting at it. through with that, he has been hinting at it— through with that, he has been hinting at it. let's return to the issue of tax. _ hinting at it. let's return to the issue of tax. let's _ hinting at it. let's return to the issue of tax. let's show - hinting at it. let's return to the issue of tax. let's show our - hinting at it. let's return to the - issue of tax. let's show our viewers this graph. tax as a percentage of gdp as a percentage of the economy, you can see again, historically if you can see again, historically if you go back to 1990—91, at the end of margaret thatcher's premiership, john major, 30.4%. climbing to 32.4% during the financial crash into the coalition government. but then you see the figure they are, 28—29, those years, rising to what would be a historic high of 37.7%. that is what is forecast by the office for budget responsibility. people might ask, chris, have we got all these tax cuts being announced in national insurance, but it won't make a difference, is it, to the overall tax burden because of two very important things, including these tax thresholds that have been frozen. .. , tax thresholds that have been frozen. , , .,, tax thresholds that have been frozen. , , , tax thresholds that have been frozen. , frozen. exactly full stop it is back to the thing _ frozen. exactly full stop it is back to the thing that _ frozen. exactly full stop it is back to the thing that the _ frozen. exactly full stop it is back to the thing that the big - frozen. exactly full stop it is back to the thing that the big picture l frozen. exactly full stop it is back| to the thing that the big picture is very hard — to the thing that the big picture is very hard for the chancellor to shift — very hard for the chancellor to shift he — very hard for the chancellor to shift. he will announce tax cuts and there _ shift. he will announce tax cuts and there is— shift. he will announce tax cuts and there is headlines about that but that chart — there is headlines about that but that chart tells the bigger picture story— that chart tells the bigger picture story that the tax burden lots of people — story that the tax burden lots of people is— story that the tax burden lots of people is higher than it has been in their lifetimes or for generations, and that— their lifetimes or for generations, and that take some shifting. it comes— and that take some shifting. it comes back to those big picture observations about the absence of growth, _ observations about the absence of growth, the recent once in a generation, a hundred—year type like the pandemic anti—war in ukraine. it the pandemicanti—war in ukraine. it nmans— the pandemic anti—war in ukraine. it means though what you will get the argument _ means though what you will get the argument from labour being is one of as you _ argument from labour being is one of as you are _ argument from labour being is one of as you are imagining, do you feel better— as you are imagining, do you feel better off, — as you are imagining, do you feel better off, are you not paying more tax than _ better off, are you not paying more tax than you were x number of years ago? _ tax than you were x number of years ago? that— tax than you were x number of years ago? that will vary depending on your personal circumstances but they believe _ your personal circumstances but they believe it _ your personal circumstances but they believe it is— your personal circumstances but they believe it is an argument that has resilience — believe it is an argument that has resilience such as the significance of the _ resilience such as the significance of the backdrop which means it is so hard for— of the backdrop which means it is so hard for a _ of the backdrop which means it is so hard for a chancellor to ship. but worth— hard for a chancellor to ship. but worth emphasising on a day when we talk about— worth emphasising on a day when we talk about the choices the government faces, the choices that an opposition party faces. they may inherit all this. _ an opposition party faces. they may inherit all this. keir— an opposition party faces. they may inherit all this. keir starmer- an opposition party faces. they may inherit all this. keir starmer has - inherit all this. keir starmer has made a critique _ inherit all this. keir starmer has made a critique that _ inherit all this. keir starmer has made a critique that he - inherit all this. keir starmer has made a critique that he says - inherit all this. keir starmer has made a critique that he says the government is salting the earth and his view— government is salting the earth and his view was some of the things the conservatives are choosing to do but what will _ conservatives are choosing to do but what will hear from labour leader they accept and agree with the idea of cutting _ they accept and agree with the idea of cutting taxes for workers. they think the overall _ of cutting taxes for workers. they think the overall tax _ of cutting taxes for workers. tie: think the overall tax burden is too high also. think the overall tax burden is too hiuh also. , think the overall tax burden is too hih also. , . high also. indeed. they will choose to back that — high also. indeed. they will choose to back that but _ high also. indeed. they will choose to back that but in _ high also. indeed. they will choose to back that but in so _ high also. indeed. they will choose to back that but in so doing - to back that but in so doing creating _ to back that but in so doing creating a question for them about their own — creating a question for them about their own spending plans and what they therefore do if they win the election — they therefore do if they win the election. there will be some rhetoric— election. there will be some rhetoric from them no doubt about this idea _ rhetoric from them no doubt about this idea of— rhetoric from them no doubt about this idea of salting the earth but at the _ this idea of salting the earth but at the same time they are choosing to accept— at the same time they are choosing to accept elements of what the government is going to announce, when _ government is going to announce, when they— government is going to announce, when they could if they wanted to say we _ when they could if they wanted to say we wouldn't cut taxes here because — say we wouldn't cut taxes here because we think i should be spent and we _ because we think i should be spent and we don't want to do that. we will talk and we don't want to do that. , will talk about that in a moment but before we do ijust want will talk about that in a moment but before we do i just want to show our view was one of the reasons, perhaps the main reason that the chancellor is so limited in terms of his manoeuvrability and what he can do. let's have a look at this graph on that, also as a percentage of the nation's economy of gdp. in 22—23, up nation's economy of gdp. in 22—23, up to last year, 84.9% and it is increasing with each year reaching a peat of 93.2%. you will notice in 28-29 it peat of 93.2%. you will notice in 28—29 it comes down marginally. explain to us, faisal, exactly what is meant when jeremy explain to us, faisal, exactly what is meant whenjeremy hunt talks about his fiscal rules, is meant when jeremy hunt talks about his fiscal rules, rules that guide him in terms of what he can do when it comes to things like tax cuts or perhaps putting any money that might be available in that forecast into public services which it looks as if he is not going to do, explain to us why it is significant.— do, explain to us why it is significant. do, explain to us why it is siunificant. , , ., ., significant. these rules are meant as a kind of _ significant. these rules are meant as a kind of commitment - significant. these rules are meant as a kind of commitment device . significant. these rules are meant| as a kind of commitment device to everybody in the markets, to people within the government themselves, to say we are going to keep the public finances in order in general terms. they come in different guises and we have had them under labour governments and conservative and it will continue here wins the election. they are designed to centre the markets, the general sense that you are in control, that you won't let us go out of control, when you have a debt—to—gdp ratio close to 100% and you have low growth, those of the conditions where people can get a little concerned about where borrowing is going, so you set these rules, this debt rule is biting right now. this is the one that matters. as you explained, somewhat curious, it is measured by the difference between what happens in the fourth and fifth year, and that is not .4% of gp to... there are questions whether it makes much sense, 30 brain is the difference between two massive numbers. , ., ., numbers. the iff said it is an odd rule. numbers. the iff said it is an odd rule- you — numbers. the iff said it is an odd rule- you get— numbers. the iff said it is an odd rule. you get an _ numbers. the iff said it is an odd rule. you get an incentive - numbers. the iff said it is an odd rule. you get an incentive to - numbers. the iff said it is an odd | rule. you get an incentive to apply the rule rather _ rule. you get an incentive to apply the rule rather than _ rule. you get an incentive to apply the rule rather than work - rule. you get an incentive to apply the rule rather than work out - rule. you get an incentive to apply the rule rather than work out what it is that you want to do but in general terms what it does is it gives you a part of debt that is stabilising and it falls at the end but to make very fine tune judgments on five or 6 billion here or 7 billion here, was that really the intent of people behind those rules? the reason why it is binding is that the chancellor has chosen to use up the chancellor has chosen to use up the space that he had. he had better forecasts that he thought and he spent it on tax cuts last time. where this will end up we think todayis where this will end up we think today is that the room will be extremely tight, potentially as tight as it has been, well below the average, and that creates some risk and the forecast.— and the forecast. picking up on that chart that we _ and the forecast. picking up on that chart that we have _ and the forecast. picking up on that chart that we have seen _ and the forecast. picking up on that chart that we have seen which - and the forecast. picking up on thatj chart that we have seen which plays into how _ chart that we have seen which plays into how people feel about the economy— into how people feel about the economy right now which is when you have a _ economy right now which is when you have a lot _ economy right now which is when you have a lot of— economy right now which is when you have a lot of debt you are paying a lot in _ have a lot of debt you are paying a lot in debt — have a lot of debt you are paying a lot in debt interest which gets to part of— lot in debt interest which gets to part of the argument as to why you might— part of the argument as to why you might feel— part of the argument as to why you might feel you are paying a lot of tax but _ might feel you are paying a lot of tax but not seeing huge amount of it back in— tax but not seeing huge amount of it back in terms of how you might judge public— back in terms of how you might judge public services because quite a lot of money— public services because quite a lot of money is — public services because quite a lot of money is going on the service of the interest— of money is going on the service of the interest on the national debt. thisjust — the interest on the national debt. thisjust go into the chamber in the this just go into the chamber in the house of commons. it is filling up as you would expect ahead of prime minister's questions which will be coming up in 15 minutes' time. i should think the speaker will be disciplining, sir lindsay hoyle and timing so thatjeremy hunt can get to his feet and deliver the budget at half past 12. we expect him to speakfor at half past 12. we expect him to speak for about at half past 12. we expect him to speakfor about an at half past 12. we expect him to speak for about an hour and then at half past 12. we expect him to speakfor about an hour and then it will be the leader of the opposition, sir keir starmer, who will respond to what they have heard. we arejoined by will respond to what they have heard. we are joined by two will respond to what they have heard. we arejoined by two mps will respond to what they have heard. we are joined by two mps and central lobbyjust outside the chamber dared to get their views, therese coffey, conservative mp, former deputy prime minister, and labour mp rebecca long—bailey who served in the former labour leader's shadow can. welcome to both of you. therese coffey, we have just been talking about how limited the room is for the chancellor and the fact that this budget is being announced against a backdrop of recession. as part of the liz truss government are you in part to blame for what is now a very, very difficult straitjacket forjeremy hunt? let's think about the challenges the government is facing.— let's think about the challenges the government is facing. when the prime minister was — government is facing. when the prime minister was chancellor, _ government is facing. when the prime minister was chancellor, he _ government is facing. when the prime minister was chancellor, he talked - minister was chancellor, he talked about risk inflation. we should also recognise that inflation has principally been driven by putin's illegal invasion of ukraine under the impact that has had, notjust on energy costs, but in other ways around the world. indeed i very conscious that the cost of living challenge has been one of the main drivers in actually whether it was about when liz truss was prime minister, the significant amount of money used to help people in their homes and businesses, but the decisions that borisjohnson and rishi sunak me together, which were the right ones, with the furlough scheme. and the support to keep british business going. it a combination of factors. some of theseissues combination of factors. some of these issues went on longer than originally thought of, things like the furlough scheme. it is also challenging to bring down inflation. meanwhile, we have an increasing defence spending, supporting our friends in ukraine, when if i remind you a decade ago the world did not help ukraine at that time. a combination of factors. that is why today has to be, how can we get stuff done within government to get on with building the hospitals, but also to get that growth the economy needs? labour needs growth as well. therese coffey, you accept, i think, just about cover that is that tax—cutting budget of liz truss and kwasi kwarteng, of which you are part, sparking a run on the pound, sending borrowing costs spiralling and forcing the bank of england to intervene, has made things even more difficult? ., �* , intervene, has made things even more difficult? . �* , ., ., difficult? that's not what i said, very straightforwardly. - difficult? that's not what i said, very straightforwardly. what - difficult? that's not what i said, very straightforwardly. what i l difficult? that's not what i said, l very straightforwardly. what i am saying is that the prime minister, inflation did go up. that was primarily driven by the illegal invasion of ukraine. i'm conscious that some of these things that i have happened in the last four to five years, covid white on longer than expected. it's a combination of factors. and we should bear in mind that the uk economy has been growing faster than most of the g7. but that the uk economy has been growing faster than most of the g7.— faster than most of the g7. but we are in recession. _ faster than most of the g7. but we are in recession. it— faster than most of the g7. but we are in recession. it is— faster than most of the g7. but we are in recession. it is a _ faster than most of the g7. but we are in recession. it is a technical. are in recession. it is a technical recession- _ are in recession. it is a technical recession- they _ are in recession. it is a technical recession. they are _ are in recession. it is a technical recession. they are not - are in recession. it is a technical recession. they are not even - are in recession. it is a technical. recession. they are not even sure they are in recession.— recession. they are not even sure they are in recession. arguably we have been in _ they are in recession. arguably we have been in recession _ they are in recession. arguably we have been in recession for - they are in recession. arguably we have been in recession for ages, l they are in recession. arguably we have been in recession for ages, if you want to get technical. we have been bumping along the bottom. rebecca long—bailey, you were in jeremy corbyn's shadow cabinet, and of course he led the labour party to the worst election defeat in recent times. do you think that is the reason that labour under keir starmer, is so very cautious in terms of what they are offering the electorate if they win the next election? i electorate if they win the next election? ~ , electorate if they win the next election? ,, , ., , election? i think it is right to be cautious, election? i think it is right to be cautious. but — election? i think it is right to be cautious, but it _ election? i think it is right to be cautious, but it is _ election? i think it is right to be cautious, but it is also - election? i think it is right to be cautious, but it is also right - election? i think it is right to be cautious, but it is also right to i cautious, but it is also right to offer— cautious, but it is also right to offer a — cautious, but it is also right to offer a bold vision of national renewal, _ offer a bold vision of national renewal, and that is what we will need _ renewal, and that is what we will need after— renewal, and that is what we will need after 14 years of this government. today i think we will see another budget that promises hi-h see another budget that promises high wages and high growth. they have been— high wages and high growth. they have been promising that for the last 14 _ have been promising that for the last 14 years, yet we have a stagnating economy, public services on the _ stagnating economy, public services on the verge of collapse due to cuts and chronic— on the verge of collapse due to cuts and chronic underfunding, and everyday— and chronic underfunding, and everyday ordinary working people struggling to get by in a cost of living _ struggling to get by in a cost of living crisis. what this budget should — living crisis. what this budget should be about today is about national — should be about today is about national renewal. it won't be. it is about election gimmicks with a conservative party sadly and paying for tax _ conservative party sadly and paying for tax cuts to public service sector— for tax cuts to public service sector cuts.— for tax cuts to public service sector cuts. , . ., a, , sector cuts. rebecca long-bailey, should the — sector cuts. rebecca long-bailey, should the labour— sector cuts. rebecca long-bailey, should the labour party _ sector cuts. rebecca long-bailey, should the labour party oppose i sector cuts. rebecca long-bailey, - should the labour party oppose those tax cuts? it should the labour party oppose those tax cuts? , , ., tax cuts? it depends what he outlines- _ tax cuts? it depends what he outlines- a — tax cuts? it depends what he outlines. a 2p _ tax cuts? it depends what he outlines. a 2p cut _ tax cuts? it depends what he outlines. a 2p cut in - tax cuts? it depends what he j outlines. a 2p cut in national insurance? — outlines. a 2p cut in national insurance? these _ outlines. a 2p cut in national insurance? these are - outlines. a 2p cut in national insurance? these are the - outlines. a 2p cut in national i insurance? these are the things outlines. a 2p cut in national - insurance? these are the things that i've been trailed _ insurance? these are the things that i've been trailed over— insurance? these are the things that i've been trailed over the _ insurance? these are the things that i've been trailed over the last - insurance? these are the things that i've been trailed over the last 24 - i've been trailed over the last 24 hours _ i've been trailed over the last 24 hours my— i've been trailed over the last 24 hours. my concern is not that i would — hours. my concern is not that i would oppose them, it is that they disproportionately affect the wealthy are sterner. somebody earning — wealthy are sterner. somebody earning £25,000 a year can look to -et earning £25,000 a year can look to get a _ earning £25,000 a year can look to get a saving — earning £25,000 a year can look to get a saving of £250. where as an mp, get a saving of £250. where as an mp. for— get a saving of £250. where as an mp, for example could be getting £700 _ mp, for example could be getting £700 a _ mp, for example could be getting £700 a year. that is not acceptable. it is £700 a year. that is not acceptable. it is not _ £700 a year. that is not acceptable. it is not helping the poorest and most _ it is not helping the poorest and most vulnerable in society, and it is not _ most vulnerable in society, and it is not creating a higher wage economv _ is not creating a higher wage economy. what the chancellor should be looking _ economy. what the chancellor should be looking at is increasing the living — be looking at is increasing the living wage to for example, £15 an hour, _ living wage to for example, £15 an hour, which— living wage to for example, £15 an hour, which is what the tuc are calling — hour, which is what the tuc are calling for~ _ hour, which is what the tuc are calling for. it should set out a national — calling for. it should set out a national mission to end poverty. while _ national mission to end poverty. while i_ national mission to end poverty. while i wouldn't disagree with the national— while i wouldn't disagree with the national insurance cut per se, it has to— national insurance cut per se, it has to come as part of a wider package — has to come as part of a wider package to really boost people's incomes— package to really boost people's incomes and living standards. is a 2. incomes and living standards. is a 2- cut in incomes and living standards. is — 2p cut in national insurance enough to turn conservative around, therese coffey? t to turn conservative around, therese coffe ? ~' , , . coffey? i think the focus is about how we can _ coffey? i think the focus is about how we can help _ coffey? i think the focus is about how we can help people - coffey? i think the focus is aboutj how we can help people continue coffey? i think the focus is about i how we can help people continue to have these challenge the cost of living. think about how national insurance is applied. people have to £185 a week and after that you pay national insurance. it will help people part—time, it will help people part—time, it will help people who do seasonal work. that is important. at the same time we are seeing energy costs come down. a variety of things have come together and i really coalesced in this challenging time. but i think it's important that we continue to help people with that cost of living, but also, to make sure that we have real focus on growth and unlocking the economy, and that includes some of the processes within government too. you have already cut 2p, it was announced in the autumn statement. didn't change anything in the polls? you are still languishing, 20 to points behind labour? i’m you are still languishing, 20 to points behind labour? i'm sure the prime minister _ points behind labour? i'm sure the prime minister and _ points behind labour? i'm sure the prime minister and chancellor - points behind labour? i'm sure the. prime minister and chancellor would like to see the poll ratings go up, of course they would. but this is being driven by principles, by trying to make sure that we help people, particularly at this challenging time with the cost of living. it's why we have seen people seeing the effect of that twice so far. because it is monthly, it may not seem that much but we are giving back to them. the other thing about the autumn statement, we are probably not at this stage of expensing. that will come as businesses realign some of their investment in capital to stimulate this long—term growth that we desperately need to get back on that positive track. and that's why, i think, together rishi sunak and jeremy hunt will have put together a budget that is in the national interest. and of course, i want that to be the conservative party, but more importantly is a national interest, the long—term plan to mount rightly at the moment, labour is not so much at all about what they will do with the economy. that will be for them to answer. {lit will be for them to answer. of course. will be for them to answer. of course. therese coffey is right. you're not going to oppose any of the measures in terms of tax cuts today. what is the difference between labour and the conservatives? there is nothing to pick between the two of you? taste conservatives? there is nothing to pick between the two of you? we will set out our stall— pick between the two of you? we will set out our stall in _ pick between the two of you? we will set out our stall in detail _ pick between the two of you? we will set out our stall in detail before - set out our stall in detail before the general election. but there is a huge _ the general election. but there is a huge difference. the economy is being _ huge difference. the economy is being driven over the cliff by a government that has completely lost its wav _ government that has completely lost its wav it _ government that has completely lost its way. it has no ideas whatsoever. where _ its way. it has no ideas whatsoever. where has — its way. it has no ideas whatsoever. where has the labour party has set out a _ where has the labour party has set out a bold — where has the labour party has set out a bold plan for national renewal~ _ out a bold plan for national renewal-— out a bold plan for national renewal. ., , ., ., , renewal. the green growth plan has been dropped- _ renewal. the green growth plan has been dropped. that _ renewal. the green growth plan has been dropped. that was _ renewal. the green growth plan has been dropped. that was part - renewal. the green growth plan has been dropped. that was part of- renewal. the green growth plan has| been dropped. that was part of your bold offering and it is gone? that is something _ bold offering and it is gone? that is something i'm _ bold offering and it is gone? that is something i'm very _ bold offering and it is gone? that is something i'm very sad about because — is something i'm very sad about because i— is something i'm very sad about because i think one of the most important — because i think one of the most important thing is we should be doing _ important thing is we should be doing to — important thing is we should be doing to rebuild our economy is focusing — doing to rebuild our economy is focusing heavily on industrial strategy. it's about making wise investment decisions. the pledge has not been _ investment decisions. the pledge has not been dropped completely. there will still— not been dropped completely. there will still be a national investment package — will still be a national investment package. it does need to be bolder. if package. it does need to be bolder. if we're _ package. it does need to be bolder. if we're going to tackle the productivity crisis that you have been _ productivity crisis that you have been speaking about on on your programme, that requires a national investment— programme, that requires a national investment plan, it requires industrial strategy. and along with that, _ industrial strategy. and along with that, will— industrial strategy. and along with that, will come with an increasing prosperity— that, will come with an increasing prosperity for everyone. we need a government bold enough to do that. this government isn't. the government bold enough to do that. this government isn't.— this government isn't. the labour party hopefully — this government isn't. the labour party hopefully will _ this government isn't. the labour party hopefully will be. _ this government isn't. the labour party hopefully will be. rebecca i party hopefully will be. rebecca long—bailey and therese coffey, thank you very much at central lobby. i will let you take your places for prime minister's questions coming injust places for prime minister's questions coming in just over five minutes. half an hour later we expectjeremy hunt, the chancellor, to get to his feet and unveil his budget. what did you make of what you heard there from therese coffey and rebecca long—bailey? it’s and rebecca long-bailey? it's fascinating. — and rebecca long—bailey? it�*s fascinating, isn't it? a reminder that any political parties, not least the labour party and conservative party are broad attends. two contributors whose recent loyalties were two recent failed leaders. the two respective parties, in reality. and you hear a splash of loyalty in the direction of their current frontbenchers. it of their current frontbenchers. it is an election year, of course. indeed. coupled with the desire to keep a respectable distance because they have their own authentic disagreements with the front bench and a loyalty to the front bench they served just a couple of years ago. they served 'ust a couple of years aro, . ., �* , , they served 'ust a couple of years auo. . . �* , , ., they served 'ust a couple of years aro, , ., , ago. what's interesting of course, as we i ago. what's interesting of course, as we i was _ ago. what's interesting of course, as we i was not, _ ago. what's interesting of course, as we i was not, there _ ago. what's interesting of course, as we i was not, there are - ago. what's interesting of course, as we i was not, there are choices in politics. however tight the spending envelope. rebecca long—bailey saying she wouldn't oppose cuts to national insurance, to working people. but maybe she would like to see a labour government, a future labour government, a future labour government committed to higher public spending. let's have a look at this graph. changes in day—to—day spending on public services. because these tax cuts will have to be paid for by tax rises, or cuts in public spending, borrowing. jeremy hunt is prak that. these figures are the figures as they are now. they will change, no doubt oncejeremy hunt has unveiled his budget. what you can see 27—28, pencilled in, as we say, in the trade, jeremy hunt, a 1% increase in day—to—day spending across departments above inflation. but, as we know, there are protected departments. protected, the nhs, schools, defence, overseas aid, which will get more than that because they are protected areas, leaving unprotected areas like the home office, likejustice, with leaving unprotected areas like the home office, like justice, with that level of cuts. they could be quite serious, couldn't they? thea;r level of cuts. they could be quite serious, couldn't they? they could. these are all— serious, couldn't they? they could. these are all assumptions - serious, couldn't they? they could. these are all assumptions based i serious, couldn't they? they could. | these are all assumptions based on the level— these are all assumptions based on the level of— these are all assumptions based on the level of protection continuing, which _ the level of protection continuing, which we — the level of protection continuing, which we don't now to be clear, and intimacy— which we don't now to be clear, and intimacy in — which we don't now to be clear, and intimacy in our circles, the head of the 0br— intimacy in our circles, the head of the obr told mps that the plans for spending _ the obr told mps that the plans for spending after the election were insensitive worse than fiction. fiction — insensitive worse than fiction. fiction is _ insensitive worse than fiction. fiction is actually written down. that— fiction is actually written down. that ruffled feathers in the government. he was trying to make the point _ government. he was trying to make the point that if you are going to have _ the point that if you are going to have permanent tax cuts, you should back them _ have permanent tax cuts, you should back them up with credible spending plans _ back them up with credible spending plans. now i think the chancellor is going _ plans. now i think the chancellor is going to _ plans. now i think the chancellor is going to lean into this argument. he doesn't _ going to lean into this argument. he doesn't want to run away with it. —— from _ doesn't want to run away with it. —— from it _ doesn't want to run away with it. —— from it he — doesn't want to run away with it. —— from it. he said, we think the state has got _ from it. he said, we think the state has got bigger because of the reasons— has got bigger because of the reasons we have explained. the tax burden _ reasons we have explained. the tax burden is— reasons we have explained. the tax burden is bigger. from this starting point _ burden is bigger. from this starting point it's— burden is bigger. from this starting point it's got to come down. that's the difference. isn't this interesting? because if we can take our minds _ interesting? because if we can take our minds back four to five years, the plan _ our minds back four to five years, the plan was to increase national insurance — the plan was to increase national insurance to over 13%, to pay for — remember— insurance to over 13%, to pay for — remember social care? the social remember social care ? the social care remember social care? the social care plan? — remember social care? the social care plan? to pay for that. where has that— care plan? to pay for that. where has that gone? that is a symbol of a different— has that gone? that is a symbol of a different time commander boris johnson, — different time commander boris johnson, where there were some arguments. whenever he wanted to do something _ arguments. whenever he wanted to do something to face a crisis in social care, _ something to face a crisis in social care, which— something to face a crisis in social care, which is impacting upon the nhs, _ care, which is impacting upon the nhs, and — care, which is impacting upon the nhs, and the method through which they were _ nhs, and the method through which they were going to do that quite openly. — they were going to do that quite openly, was to raise national insurance. now, what is going to happen— insurance. now, what is going to happen to — insurance. now, what is going to happen to that?— insurance. now, what is going to happen to that? quite. it is back to our oint happen to that? quite. it is back to your point about — happen to that? quite. it is back to your point about stopping - happen to that? quite. it is back to your point about stopping pencilledj your point about stopping pencilled in. a lot of pencils used in and around whitehall because so often, as pfizer was reflected in looking back on the last couple of years, how much has changed, every likelihood that will happen into the future. then from the chancellor's point of view, teasing out some political dividing lines between the basic thing of human psychology, sort out today before you worry about tomorrow. you sort out today before you worry about tomorrow.— about tomorrow. you used the expression _ about tomorrow. you used the expression assaulted - about tomorrow. you used the expression assaulted her. - about tomorrow. you used the - expression assaulted her. quoting keir starmer. _ expression assaulted her. quoting keir starmer, yeah. _ expression assaulted her. quoting keir starmer, yeah. -- _ expression assaulted her. quoting keir starmer, yeah. -- salted - expression assaulted her. quoting l keir starmer, yeah. -- salted earth. that will be — keir starmer, yeah. -- salted earth. that will be a _ keir starmer, yeah. -- salted earth. that will be a headache _ keir starmer, yeah. -- salted earth. that will be a headache with - keir starmer, yeah. -- salted earth. that will be a headache with the - that will be a headache with the election because they will be making these choices again, a little bit further down the line, which is why they don't want to commit to anything in terms of spending, but those spending choices will be there, won't they?— there, won't they? they will absolutely- _ there, won't they? they will absolutely. and _ there, won't they? they will absolutely. and shaped - there, won't they? they will absolutely. and shaped by l there, won't they? they will. absolutely. and shaped by the choices they make today. for example, the same basis in human psychology about the politics of now versus the headaches of tomorrow. they do have a choice. it is the choice — they do have a choice. it is the choice of— they do have a choice. it is the choice of rachel reeves to say we are going — choice of rachel reeves to say we are going to stick to the rule and we are _ are going to stick to the rule and we are going to stick to the baseline _ we are going to stick to the baseline. and so therefore, we inherit— baseline. and so therefore, we inherit pretty much the same spending plans. are we in a 1997 style _ spending plans. are we in a 1997 style situation? they weren't even going _ style situation? they weren't even going to _ style situation? they weren't even going to stick to those spending plans _ going to stick to those spending lans, ., , ., going to stick to those spending lans, ., ,., ., going to stick to those spending lans, ., ., ,. ., ,., going to stick to those spending plans. labour are conscious of being erceived plans. labour are conscious of being perceived to — plans. labour are conscious of being perceived to be _ plans. labour are conscious of being perceived to be vulnerable - plans. labour are conscious of being perceived to be vulnerable on - plans. labour are conscious of being perceived to be vulnerable on the i perceived to be vulnerable on the economy, so they hug a conservative, pretty close but that is a biblical choice. �* . . pretty close but that is a biblical choice. �* , ., ., pretty close but that is a biblical choice. �*, ., ., ., pretty close but that is a biblical choice. �* , ., ., ., ., choice. let's have a look at what exect in choice. let's have a look at what expect in the _ choice. let's have a look at what expect in the budget _ choice. let's have a look at what expect in the budgetjust before | expect in the budgetjust before pmqs mac. —— prime minister's questions. a 2p reduction in national insurance contributions. reduction in future spending increases. windfall tax on oil and gas extended. restricting non—dom tax status. restricting rather than a policy. it is a labour policy. it may be stolen by the conservatives. and an attack on vapes and an increase in tobacco duty to raise money to pay for those tax cuts. relax rules on capital reserves for banks. and this is also, yes, again, extending the freeze on fuel duty. it has been extended year after year. what was temporary looked permanent. tax breaks for holiday lets scrapped. those perks may well go. there has been some opposition to that. £362 million investment for manufacturing. finally, we can see jeremy hunt has now taken his seat. £800 million to reduce public sector waste. if we show you inside the chamber, we can seejeremy hunt has taken his seat. he is ready. there is, of course, maybe a little bit hackneyed, chris, that about a surprise? 0h, hackneyed, chris, that about a surprise? oh, the rabbit? yes, apparently. arguably at least one lovely creature with big ears has been wandering around s w one for the last 24 hours. the question is are there any others? i remember watching a speech at the party conference and i was told there is a rabbit in this particular speech. i thought, did ijust don't make... i thought, did ijust don't make... i think thought, did i 'ust don't make... i think a thought, did ijust don't make... i think a smaller _ thought, did ijust don't make... i think a smaller creature _ thought, did ijust don't make... i think a smaller creature than - thought, did ijust don't make... i think a smaller creature than a i think a smaller creature than a rabbit was _ think a smaller creature than a rabbit was a — think a smaller creature than a rabbit was a reasonable - think a smaller creature than a i rabbit was a reasonable description, but who knows.— but who knows. there is one suggestion _ but who knows. there is one suggestion here _ but who knows. there is one suggestion here from - but who knows. there is one i suggestion here from kate ferguson at the sun who has tweeted that it sounds like thejeremy hunt bunny out of the hat will be the reform to the child benefit charge. a pitch to middle earning mums and dads. there has been campaigning _ middle earning mums and dads. there has been campaigning on _ middle earning mums and dads. there has been campaigning on this, not 'ust has been campaigning on this, not just a _ has been campaigning on this, not just a charge but also a massive red tape challenge that frankly some are arguing _ tape challenge that frankly some are arguing hmrc wasn't coping with and people _ arguing hmrc wasn't coping with and people were phoning up finding themselves, part of the fiscal drag sorry. _ themselves, part of the fiscal drag sorry, people didn't expect it but they were — sorry, people didn't expect it but they were finding they had to hand back their— they were finding they had to hand back their child benefit and you had to register~ — back their child benefit and you had to reuister. �* . ., back their child benefit and you had to reuister. �*, ., ., back their child benefit and you had to reuister. v ., ., ~ ., to register. let's go in for pmqs. this morning _ to register. let's go in for pmqs. this morning i — to register. let's go in for pmqs. this morning i had _ to register. let's go in for pmqs. this morning i had meetings i to register. let's go in for pmqs. j this morning i had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others, in addition to my duties in this house including listening to the chancellor puzzling budget statement, i shall have further such later today. the statement, i shall have further such later toda . . statement, i shall have further such later today-— later today. the uk used to be a world leader _ later today. the uk used to be a world leader in _ later today. the uk used to be a world leader in research - later today. the uk used to be a world leader in research but i later today. the uk used to be a i world leader in research but despite the calls from the home affairs select committee leading researchers, charities and veterans organisations and the royal college of psychiatrists, we have shamefully fallen behind on breakthrough treatment for conditions like ptsd and depression, causing misery to millions of people in our country. can the prime minister explain why this policy remains the responsibility of the home office that can't give it the attention it deserves and why it is ok that american, canadian and australian patients can access treatment british patients can't? t patients can access treatment british patients can't? i completely s mathise british patients can't? i completely sympathise and — british patients can't? i completely sympathise and understand - british patients can't? i completely sympathise and understand why i british patients can't? i completely i sympathise and understand why people suffering from distressing conditions will want to seek the best possible treatment available and i thank the honourable lady for raising the issue. we are committed to ensuring the uk is a world leading jurisdiction for pharmaceutical, clinical and other medical research and we have our state advisory council on the misuse of drugs to review barriers to legitimate medical research involving controlled drugs, our response to the recommendations, i am pleased to tell her will be published as soon as possible. mr; published as soon as possible. my constituency has a long and proud history of farming with generations of the same family helping to feed our nation and not since world war ii have we been so well for food security to the national security so will the prime minister is like the house and what his company is doing to support our fantastic farmers? figs to support our fantastic farmers? as i to support our fantastic farmers? is i set out at the nfu conference a couple of weeks ago we will always back british farmers for continuing to produce fantastic food. we are exhilarating that plan with the largest package of grants ever and one of those new schemes opens just a day supporting farmers with up to £125,000 towards the purchase of new equipment and technology. our schemes in england are about more choice, not less, and unlike labour in wales we will never introduce top down arbitrary targets that damage forming funds and damage the fixed food security and take farmers back to square one. food security and take farmers back to square one-— to square one. leader of the opposition. _ to square one. leader of the opposition, keir— to square one. leader of the opposition, keir starmer. i to square one. leader of the i opposition, keir starmer. three ears a . o opposition, keir starmer. three years ago sarah _ opposition, keir starmer. three years ago sarah everard - opposition, keir starmer. three years ago sarah everard was i opposition, keir starmer. iii” years ago sarah everard was walking home when she was abducted and murdered by a serving police officer who should have been trusted to keep her safe. as a father i can't imagine the pain her parents, family and friends are going through in this difficult anniversary week. lady angelina's report exposes the appalling failure in police vetting and in misconduct processes and i am very troubled by its conclusion that there is and i will quote it, nothing to stop another wayne couzens operating in plain sight. how can that be the case three years on from the horrendous crime? flan t on from the horrendous crime? can i ersonall on from the horrendous crime? can i personally say _ on from the horrendous crime? can i personally say i _ on from the horrendous crime? can i personally say i am _ on from the horrendous crime? can i personally say i am sure _ on from the horrendous crime? can i personally say i am sure all- on from the horrendous crime? cari t personally say i am sure all members of the house will have been thinking about sarah everard in recent weeks. it was an absolutely shocking case and the abuse of power in particular was appalling. that is why we took action quickly to strengthen police vetting, the rules for rooting out officers who are not fit to serve, and conducted the largest ever screening of all serving officers and staff. we are now ensuring any officer who has been charged for a crime will be suspended from duty automatically until the case has concluded and we will thoroughly consider all the reports recommendations and respond in full. the prime minister mentions vetting and i want to press on that because serious failures in police vetting were raised in the independent reports as long ago as 2012, 2019, 2022 and 2023. that is why labour has been arguing for mandatory national vetting standards, which would stop anybody with a history of domestic abuse or sexual offending be allowed tojoin domestic abuse or sexual offending be allowed to join the police in the first place. why a mandatory national vetting standards not already in place? it is national vetting standards not already in place?— already in place? it is vitalfor ublic already in place? it is vitalfor public confidence _ already in place? it is vitalfor public confidence that - already in place? it is vitalfor public confidence that those l already in place? it is vital for. public confidence that those that are not fit to wear the badge are rooted out of the police and not able to join rooted out of the police and not able tojoin in rooted out of the police and not able to join in the first place. that is why the college of policing has updated its existing statutory code on vetting and that happened quickly and in addition the policing inspectorate carried out a rapid inspection of all forces�* progress against a previous findings and in addition to that an entire check against the national police database was carried out for all serving officers and staff. i was carried out for all serving officers and staff.— was carried out for all serving officers and staff. i am a busy very familiar with _ officers and staff. i am a busy very familiar with codes _ officers and staff. i am a busy very familiar with codes and _ officers and staff. i am a busy very familiar with codes and criminal. familiar with codes and criminal justice systems, but... heckling. this is too serious for that. there is a world of difference between a code and binding mandatory standards. which don�*t have legal effect. that should trouble members across the house. wayne couzens�* history of sexual offending stretched back many years. on four occasions despite allegations of indecent disposer he wasn�*t sacked. we know that is a gateway to more horrific crimes as was tragically shown to be the case not only in sarah everard�*s case but also libby squire. but it is not treated with the seriousness required. the angelina report recommends reviewing all indecent exposure allegations against serving officers in order to identify, investigate and remove those officers from service. given the obvious urgency of this recommendation, can the prime minister give a categorical assurance that it will be implemented immediately? is a assurance that it will be imlemented immediatel ? ~ , ., ., implemented immediately? as a home secretary addresses _ implemented immediately? as a home secretary addresses specifically - secretary addresses specifically when he made his statement, indecent exposure just like when he made his statement, indecent exposurejust like any when he made his statement, indecent exposure just like any other kind of sexually motivated crime is apparent. we expect police chiefs to take it extremely seriously. we fully expect police chiefs to suspend an officer charged with any kind of sexually motivated crime and it is worth pointing out in addition to the new powers a home secretary outlined about automatic suspension, chief constables already have existing powers to suspend any officer and therefore is when allegations are made and we fully expect them to use those powers. i expect them to use those powers. i do think the recommendation, i referred to, should be permitted urgently and i ask if i ministered to look again at that because every day that goes past when it isn�*t implemented carries risk for victims in these cases. sarah everard�*s murder should have been a watershed moment unpleasing reform, the criminaljustice moment unpleasing reform, the criminal justice system, moment unpleasing reform, the criminaljustice system, on violence against women and girls but aside via reality is dems of rape who have the courage and bravery to come forward havejust the courage and bravery to come forward have just 2.4% chance of perpetrators being caught and charged within the year. how does the prime minister expect women to have confidence in the criminal justice system when almost all rapists don�*t see the inside of a courtroom? is rapists don't see the inside of a courtroom?— rapists don't see the inside of a courtroom? . , ., . ,, ., ., courtroom? as we acknowledged a coule of courtroom? as we acknowledged a couple of years _ courtroom? as we acknowledged a couple of years ago, _ courtroom? as we acknowledged a couple of years ago, of— courtroom? as we acknowledged a couple of years ago, of course i courtroom? as we acknowledged a couple of years ago, of course we | couple of years ago, of course we need to do more to improve the criminaljustice need to do more to improve the criminal justice system need to do more to improve the criminaljustice system and the rape action review plan showing considerable progress. we have already increased the average sentences for rape by a third since labour were last in office. by the way using a power the labour party voted against in this house. and thanks to our action plan we have seen police referrals double, charges double and last year there was a 50% increase in rape convictions and now rapists will serve every single day of their sentence behind bars at the honourable gentleman did raise his time at the crown prosecution service but he hasn�*t acknowledged that under his tenure rape convictions actually dropped. the prime minister knows that will be fact checked. he also knows i support tough sentencing. i really do think the victims of violence against women and girls deserve better than this nonsense. it needs to be taken seriously. it is not games, prime minister. we all want more victims to come forward but we have to be honest. unless things change the criminaljustice system will continue to bail them which is why we are committed to introducing specials to rape and sexual offences teams in every pause to give victims a specialist support and confidence that their experience will be investigated properly. when will the prime minister commit to doing the same? we prime minister commit to doing the same? ~ . prime minister commit to doing the same? . . ., ., , , same? we have already implemented the ra -e same? we have already implemented the rape action _ same? we have already implemented the rape action review _ same? we have already implemented the rape action review plan. _ same? we have already implemented the rape action review plan. he - same? we have already implemented the rape action review plan. he says l the rape action review plan. he says they are taking seriously, here are they are taking seriously, here are the things we have done. we have ended the appalling digital strip search that victims had to go through with their mobile phones, ensured there is better use of pre—recorded cross—examination, rolled out operations with an incredible success across all national police forces and increase significantly the number of independent sexual domestic violence and abuse advisors to up to a thousand and there is more specialist training in all police forces for these prosecutions. that is a plan we have already put in place. it is a planet is working to ensure that we can keep women and girls in our country safe. the problem _ girls in our country safe. the problem is — girls in our country safe. the problem is the _ girls in our country safe. the problem is the rosy - girls in our country safe. the problem is the rosy picture the prime minister tries to paint of the current criminal justice system prime minister tries to paint of the current criminaljustice system is completely at odds with the confidence many women currently have in it. with the publication of the angelina report the country deserves to know that we are doing all we can to know that we are doing all we can to make our country safer women. that starts with what should be the most basic task, creating a safe workplace here in westminster. and at the moment, as everyone in this house notes, we are failing in that endeavour and we all have a duty to change this. so when will he make time for the vote on banning from parliament mps who face allegations of sex offences? it is parliament mps who face allegations of sex offences?— of sex offences? it is absolutely ri . ht that of sex offences? it is absolutely right that we — of sex offences? it is absolutely right that we ensure _ of sex offences? it is absolutely right that we ensure our - of sex offences? it is absolutely i right that we ensure our communities are safe for women and girls which is why we have passed the landmark domestic abuse act, why we set up a new 20 47 victim support line, why we quadrupled funding for victim support and why we are investing in practical things like cctv and better street lighting, in safer communities up and down the country. of course there is always more we can do but this government has a strong track record in ensuring women across this country will feel safe. t women across this country will feel safe. . ~ . women across this country will feel safe. . ~ , ., safe. i want the prime minister to know that the _ safe. i want the prime minister to know that the people _ safe. i want the prime minister to know that the people of _ safe. i want the prime minister to know that the people of romford | safe. i want the prime minister to i know that the people of romford are struggling with ever increasing energy prices, yet providers struggling with ever increasing energy prices, yet providers are making huge profits running into hundreds of millions, so does the prime minister agree with me that reductions in wholesale prices should be passed on to the consumers and standing charges brought down, and standing charges brought down, and will the government hold utility companies to account for their actions? ~ , companies to account for their actions? g ., ., ., , companies to account for their actions? g ., ., . , , actions? my honourable friend is riaht actions? my honourable friend is ri . ht to actions? my honourable friend is right to highlight _ actions? my honourable friend is right to highlight the _ actions? my honourable friend is right to highlight the challenge l right to highlight the challenge that high energy bills have posed notjust that high energy bills have posed not just to that high energy bills have posed notjust to his constituents in romford but across the country. that is why we stepped in with a significant package of support paying for around half of a typical household energy bill when prices were tired. i know he willjoin me in welcoming the fact that the energy price cap is set to fall by almost £250 in april which will bring relief to many families but we must hold companies to account and thatis must hold companies to account and that is why we introduced the energy profits levy on the windfall profits caused by unexpected increase in energy prices and we are going further to cut costs for people by cutting the taxes and putting more money in their family bank accounts. much to my surprise this morning it has been widely reported that the conservative party in scotland are absolutely furious that westminster is about to tax scotland�*s national resources in order to pay for a tax cut in england! as a prime minister in danger of turning his colleagues internationalists? obviously i won�*t comment on the budget. but what i will say is when i was in scotland last week it was crystal clear there has only ever been one party consistently standing up for the north sea energy industry, and it is the scottish conservatives.— industry, and it is the scottish conservatives. ~ . conservatives. the prime minister knows that — conservatives. the prime minister knows that not _ conservatives. the prime minister knows that not to _ conservatives. the prime minister knows that not to be _ conservatives. the prime minister knows that not to be the - conservatives. the prime minister knows that not to be the case, i conservatives. the prime minister| knows that not to be the case, but there is a serious point to be made here, mr speaker. the conservative party want to use scotland�*s natural resources to pay for tax cuts in england. the labour party want to use them to pay for nuclear power stations in england. and of that, up to 100,000 jobs. scotland�*s wealth, scotland�*s resources, scotland�*s jobs, all a game to westminster. with the tories on just 15% in the polls in scotland now, will the prime minister all a favour and call a general election? mr prime minister all a favour and call a general election?— prime minister all a favour and call a general election? mr speaker, the honourable gentleman _ a general election? mr speaker, the honourable gentleman claims - a general election? mr speaker, the honourable gentleman claims to i a general election? mr speaker, the honourable gentleman claims to be| honourable gentleman claims to be supportive of the north sea energy industry. why is it he has opposed all the measures we have taken to protect those jobs in scotland over the past couple of years? he talks about tax in scotland and england. i would point out to him that thanks to the actions of the chancellor and these uk government, everyone in scotland has received a significant tax cut from january this year. and in contrast to the chancellor�*s last budget, the snp budget put taxes up. scotland is now the high tax capital of the uk but this conservative government will keep cutting taxes for hard—working scots. mr government will keep cutting taxes for hard-working scots. mr speaker, the government _ for hard-working scots. mr speaker, the government is _ for hard-working scots. mr speaker, the government is rightly _ for hard-working scots. mr speaker, the government is rightly acting i for hard-working scots. mr speaker, the government is rightly acting to i the government is rightly acting to properly compensate the horizon victims who were highlighted by alan bates�* legal challenge. however, there are thousands more sub—post offices across the country not actually prosecuted but who faced financial penalties for bogus shortfalls, causing enormous financial and personal distress to them. does the prime minister agree with me that we should now be doing everything possible to do right by all victims of gross miscarriage of justice, clear their names, and at last, properly, financially compensate them? last, properly, financially comensate them? ~ , compensate them? well, my right honourable — compensate them? well, my right honourable friend _ compensate them? well, my right honourable friend is _ compensate them? well, my right honourable friend is absolutely i honourable friend is absolutely right to highlight the appalling impact of this miscarriage of justice has had on people�*s mental health, and as he has acknowledged, our focus is on delivering justice for the postmasters and that is why we�*ll introduce legislation to overturn a conviction is and pave the way for the swift compensation payments. —— convictions. ithink the way for the swift compensation payments. —— convictions. i think my honourable friend for his long—standing campaign on this issue around mental health and i can assure him the post of minister is closely examining the issues he raises. he is considering next steps and will keep the right honourable gentleman closely informed. the prime minister will be aware that if the government�*s proposes to deal with the legacy of our troubled past in northern ireland continue to be the subject of scrutiny most recently in the high court ruling in relation to compatibility with our human rights obligations. and yet many families of victims in northern ireland are deeply disappointed with the lack of cooperation by the irish government in relation to murders committed in theirjurisdiction, or from theirjurisdiction. in relation to the omagh bomb inquiry, for a are the orange goblin has declined to conduct a public inquiry on this worst atrocity in our troubled past, despite the courts urging it to do so. will the pmi continue to press the irish government on the need for them to make available facilities to enable the of innocent victims, including in omagh, to pursue justice for their loved ones? —— will the prime minister to can i thank my honourable friend for his question on this important topic, which is a great interest to his constituents and many others across northern ireland. the constituents and many others across northern ireland.— constituents and many others across northern ireland. the government has set forward its — northern ireland. the government has set forward its plans _ northern ireland. the government has set forward its plans to _ northern ireland. the government has set forward its plans to deal _ northern ireland. the government has set forward its plans to deal with i set forward its plans to deal with the legacy of the past and will continue to engage with everyone in northern ireland, whatever their views are to set out the best way forward. but i can confirm to him that the secretary of state for northern ireland has raised these specific issues directly with the irish government and will continue to do so, and i also spoke to the tee shot myself about this very matter. we would hope to see further cooperation on omagh and many other outstanding cases that involved irish jurisdiction because like outstanding cases that involved irishjurisdiction because like him irishjurisdiction because like him i want to give families as much information as possible.- i want to give families as much information as possible. putin has ut the information as possible. putin has put the russian _ information as possible. putin has put the russian economy - information as possible. putin has put the russian economy on - information as possible. putin has put the russian economy on a i information as possible. putin has. put the russian economy on a total war footing. put the russian economy on a total warfooting. he has increase ministry spending by 68%, to 7.5% of gdp. he claimed this month over 520,000 newjobs have been created in their arms industry, which now employs an estimated 3.5 million russians. on my recent visits to ukraine i have met government ministers and senior military figures who have expressed great frustration to me about the length of time it is taking to develop collaboration in building a defence manufacturing capabilityjointly manufacturing capability jointly with uk manufacturing capabilityjointly with uk defence companies in ukraine. so will my honourable friend meet with me to discuss how he can unblock the bureaucracy? and as our ukrainian friends say, build the arsenal of the free world together? t the arsenal of the free world together?— together? i can reassure my honourable _ together? i can reassure my honourable friend _ together? i can reassure my honourable friend that - together? i can reassure my honourable friend that we i together? i can reassure my i honourable friend that we remain steadfast in our support for ukraine and will not allow putin to achieve his aim of eradicating ukrainian freedom and democracy. our cross government task force is working diligently to support the armed forces in ukraine and lead defence cooperation. i�*m pleased to say we conducted a first successful... i can tell him that the government and the uk industry will continue to work hand in glove with our ukrainian allies, seizing the opportunity for collaboration and bolstering ourjoint defence industries. mr bolstering our 'oint defence industries.— bolstering our 'oint defence industries. ~ ~ industries. mr speaker, last week the ippr published _ industries. mr speaker, last week the ippr published a _ industries. mr speaker, last week the ippr published a paper, - industries. mr speaker, last week the ippr published a paper, the l the ippr published a paper, the state of the north. that paper predicted that wealth inequalities are already too large between the north and the south east, would increase to nearly quarter of £1 million per head by the end of this decade. does the prime minister accept that his levelling up agenda has failed, or did he never wanted to succeed? mr has failed, or did he never wanted to succeed?— to succeed? mr speaker, on the contra , to succeed? mr speaker, on the contrary, inequality _ to succeed? mr speaker, on the contrary, inequality in _ to succeed? mr speaker, on the contrary, inequality in our - to succeed? mr speaker, on the i contrary, inequality in our country has declined under this conservative government. and when it comes to levelling up in the north, it is actually not that received some of the highest amounts of levelling up funding of any region in the country. when he last popped up to ask a question about our investment in the north, i wonder if you manage to get an answer as to what exactly the labour party position on hs2 is? what we are doing is taking that money and reinvesting every penny of it across the north in forms of transportation that people use every day, delivering benefits quicker to communities, notjust in his constituency, but across the entire north. it has been warmly welcomed everywhere that i have been. mould everywhere that i have been. would m riuht everywhere that i have been. would my right honourable _ everywhere that i have been. would my right honourable friend - everywhere that i have been. would my right honourable friend agree that the performance of the labour party in voting down our rwanda bill in the house of lords is a disgrace? it is only the conservative government and the conservatives who have a plan for dealing with illegal immigration and people smuggling. action on illegal immigration is a top priority in my constituency and labour has no policy or plan on this at all. ~ ~ ,,, ., ,, , at all. well, mr speaker, my honourable _ at all. well, mr speaker, my honourable friend _ at all. well, mr speaker, my honourable friend makes i at all. well, mr speaker, my honourable friend makes an | at all. well, mr speaker, my - honourable friend makes an excellent point. he knows, like i know, that if you want to fully stop the boats you need to have a working deterrent. that means if summary comes here illegally you must be able to remove them to a safe third country alternative. that is why the rwanda scheme is so important that thatis rwanda scheme is so important that that is why we are determined to see it through. just in the last week an independent report was published talking about the labour party�*s policies in this area, which made it crystal clear that they don�*t have a plan to stop the boats. in fact, their idea would see the uk except hundreds of thousands more migrants. thank you very much, mr speaker. which part of his economic legacy is the prime minister most proud of? is it presiding over the highest tax burden since the second world war? or is it delivering the slowest real wage growth since the napoleonic war? mr speaker, saving 10 millionjobs in the pandemic with the furlough scheme... the prime minister will know there is consensus across this house on the need to build new houses. where that consensus breaks down is where those houses should be built. does the prime minister agree with me that wherever possible new houses should be built on brownfield sites, not in green spaces, not on green fields and not on prime farmland? mr; fields and not on prime farmland? 11511: honourable friend fields and not on prime farmland? ti1: honourable friend is absolutely right. it is sustainable planning that must be at the heart of our planning system. that is why we are committed to meeting the needs of communities by building homes in the right places and, as he says, making best use of brownfield land. we have made it clear that is the priority. we have put extra funding in place to unlock those sites and our recent changes provide clearer protection for the green belt, making it clear how future housing supply should be assessed. that is the clear difference between our two parties. on the side of the house, we will protect green belt. and the labour party will concrete all over it. in party will concrete all over it. in some jurisdictions ministers somejurisdictions ministers routinely publish their tax returns. the prime minister voluntarily published his uk tax returns last year. does the prime minister agree that ministers of the crown should publish their tax returns as a matter of course? and has he ever filed any returns in the usa that have not been published? mr speaker, i don�*t think that would be proportionate or appropriate. and what i have done is... i don�*t, i don�*t think it would be proportionate for all ministers to publish their tax returns. in keeping with a long—standing tradition i voluntarily publish my tax returns, as did the chancellor. i think that is the right balance. i have been completely transparent about that as i have done it. last year a number of us run the first transatlantic flight powered by radiation field. this week the first major purchase of that fuel was made. but that fuel is coming from the united states. it�*s really important we have an industry in this country. with the prime minister tell the treasury and the department for transport to accelerate the work they are doing to put in place the right framework and the right support mechanism to ensure we have an industry for the future? . , ., ., ., ,, ensure we have an industry for the future? . , ., ., ., ~ , future? can i first of all thank my honourable _ future? can i first of all thank my honourable friend _ future? can i first of all thank my honourable friend for _ future? can i first of all thank my honourable friend for his - honourable friend for his championing of this cause? i would like to reassure him that we are committed to ensuring that it is in place by 2025. that will require about 10% ofjet fuel to be made from sustainable feedstock by 2030. and to get there we have provided £135 million to 13 different uk sustainable aviation fuel projects, to kick—start our domestic industry. and, which he also knows is important, we have committed to introducing a revenue certainty mechanism to support production in the uk as soon as possible. just as 2000 year old worm and walls are an important historic monument of world renown —— roman walls, with the prime ministerjoined me in chester to walk the walls and explore how the government can support the upkeep of these important structures, which, unlike the conservative party, are stable, solid, and in no danger of imminent collapse? well, mr speaker, mr speaker... i join, ijoin... ijoined the honourable lady in paying tribute to the history of her local community. and i am pleased that the city of chester is benefiting from so much investment from the conservative garment, so it can maintain its local infrastructure. five weeks ago conservative mps local infrastructure. five weeks ago conservative mp5 from across south—east london and kent road to transport for london and the labour mayor of london calling on them to do the right thing following them to do the right thing following the botched limitation of a temporary speed limit on the 820 near sidcup, which seen thousands of drivers unfairly issued fines and point under licence. this has left many drivers, including carers, emergency service workers and teachers, at risk of losing their licences and jobs. this is despite travelling less then 50 mph zones. the prime agree with me that tfl must cancel these issues points? can i thank my honourable friend for this question? i do understand the concerns the local drivers have over this ongoing tfl issue. whilst we are doing everything we can to back mothers across the country, it is disappointing that the labour mayor andindeed disappointing that the labour mayor and indeed labour in wales are hammering drivers at every opportunity, whether that is temporary speed limits or like a 20 mph zones, or you lies. but i will make sure my honourable friend has a meeting with the minister to discuss his concerns. mr speaker, to strengthen current spiking legislation, forensic evidence is essential. the nhs does not have uniform policy for the screening of suspected victims of spiking at a&e. we can pass all the laws we want in this place, but to achieve justice this forensic evidence is vital. will the prime minister committed to ensuring that hospital emergency departments have a statutory obligation to take forensic samples from these victims? i agree it is an appalling crime which undermines public safety, the particularly the safety of women and girls and we want to make sure that the existing laws recognise the threat that spiking poses. that is why we announce now measures to confront spiking, including changing the law to make it clear that spiking is illegal. as well as other measures like an online reporting tool and research and testing kits and training for bar staff. we will look into the issue that she raises. this winter, flood and storm damage caused _ this winter, flood and storm damage caused damage to the infrastructure around _ caused damage to the infrastructure around my— caused damage to the infrastructure around my mansfield constituency, it is roads. _ around my mansfield constituency, it is roads, drains, flood infrastructure and among the highest concern _ infrastructure and among the highest concern that residents raise with me _ concern that residents raise with me i'm — concern that residents raise with me. i'm gratefulfrom concern that residents raise with me. i'm grateful from next year there _ me. i'm grateful from next year there is— me. i'm grateful from next year there is significant infrastructure funding. — there is significant infrastructure funding, but what can my right honourable friend do to help to fix this for— honourable friend do to help to fix this for my— honourable friend do to help to fix this for my constituents now? i�*m this for my constituents now? i'm leased this for my constituents now? i'm pleased that _ this for my constituents now? t“n pleased that in 2020 we announced that we would double our flood investment to a record 5.2 billion. in notting hmm hamshire we have invested to protect properties. there is a programme in mansfield which is looking at surface water and drainage improvement. i will make sure that i talk to the chancellor that we have a strong economy to keep investing in local infrastructure in his area and that is the what we are about to hear from my right honourable friend in just a second. from my right honourable friend in just a second-— studio: you heard lindsay hoyle the speaker saying that completed prime minister�*s questions. it is always a