Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Commons Chamber

Wednesday 3rd December 2025

(began 1 hour, 10 minutes ago)

11:34

Oral questions: Wales

Alyn Alyn and Alyn and Deeside Alyn and Deeside.

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Right. We start with questions. Secretary of State for Wales. Kirsty Blackman.

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Kirsty Blackman. Question one, Mr. speaker. Mr. Secretary. State. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I work

11:34

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I work closely, closely with the Welsh Government on our shared priorities. Our two Labour governments work Our two Labour governments work together for the people of Wales. This Budget delivered for Wales by investing in public services, cutting the cost of living and shrinking the national debt. We've scrapped the Tory and Lib Dem two child limit, benefiting 60,000 children in Wales. Slashed energy bills by £150 per household and announced further increases to the minimum and living wage, building on last year's increases, which have already helped 160,000 of the lowest paid workers in Wales.

11:34

Kirsty Blackman MP (Aberdeen North, Scottish National Party)

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Kirsty Blackman thank the Secretary of State for her answer. The autumn Budget also made minor tweaks to Wales borrowing limits. Scotland has got stronger borrowing powers, allowing us more flexibility for investment in capital projects. Can the Secretary of State tell us why tweaks to Wales powers were so small, and why those tweaks have not even made up for the inflationary losses since those limits were first set?

11:35

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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So I thank the hon. Lady for her question. The UK government is providing the Welsh Government with nearly £6 billion in additional spending power over the spending review period, as a result of changes to the fiscal framework. Additional funding through Barnett and the largest settlement in devolution history. We are righting the injustice of how Wales has been funded and delivering on our manifesto commitment to update the fiscal framework. Crucially, these changes mean that the Welsh Government will be able to invest more funding in our hospitals, schools and other public services.

11:35

Ruth Jones MP (Newport West and Islwyn, Labour)

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Ruth Jones chair of the Select Committee. in my constituency is a real Welsh success story in terms of this year's Budget. It's attracted over £1 billion worth of investment over the last decade, supporting almost 3000 jobs with plans to create 1000 more well on the way. So what conversations is the Secretary of State having with the UK and Welsh Government colleagues to ensure that the Welsh semiconductor cluster continues to grow and create more well-paid jobs across South Wales?

11:36

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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Secretary of State. semiconductor cluster from the minute she arrived in this place, and I've seen it success for myself on a number of visits there. In last week's Budget, the Chancellor announced £10 million for semiconductor activities in South Wales. This funding will focus on the technology central and critical to AI and data centres to support innovation, strengthen supply chains and develop the skills needed for future growth. And just two weeks ago, I was with the science secretary at Cardiff University, a key partner with the cluster, to announce the South Wales AI Growth Zone, which will create more than 5000 new jobs for local communities, including in her own constituency.

11:37

Rt Hon Liz Saville Roberts MP (Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Plaid Cymru)

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Liz Saville-Roberts.

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We all know why the Chancellor went to Wales on Monday. She was seeking to avoid scrutiny over a seeking to avoid scrutiny over a self-inflicted controversy. But it doesn't end there. There's been criticism of the Chancellor's claim that additional funding for Scotland was given because, and I quote, because Anas Sarwar asked us quote, because Anas Sarwar asked us to. There was no mention of the First Minister, Leonard Morgan. Now there's a mechanism for Barnett there's a mechanism for Barnett funding.

It is not a gift. Will the Secretary of State therefore commit

11:37

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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to honesty over how Wales is funded, rather than insulting our intelligence here? So I'm surprised that the right

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So I'm surprised that the right hon. Lady's tone, whilst this Labour government makes record investment in Wales, Clyde has the same old stuck record in response miserable grievance politics. They really are the victim meldrew of Welsh politics, Mr. Speaker, and they still haven't explained which taxes they would raise, which public services they would cut to pay for their disastrous independence plan that will cost every single person in Wales £7,000 a year, every single year.

11:38

Rt Hon Liz Saville Roberts MP (Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Plaid Cymru)

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Liz Saville-Roberts desperate, Mr. Speaker, and we all know that the Secretary of State has been using figures which you can't extrapolate what independence will do from them, and I wish she would keep up, because actually talking with Labour and Cardiff about how to improve public services in the NHS. But the people of Wales, of course, they want facts, not spin. So a year after the announcement of inheritance tax changes, the UK government has still failed to release data on the impact on family businesses and farms in Wales.

She knows the cross-party Welsh Affairs Committee has called for the changes to be delayed until a full Wales specific impact assessment is published. What is the government got to hide?

11:38

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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The government has absolutely

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nothing to hide. Right? We come to Sarah Bool. Question number two. Three Mr

11:39

Q2. What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on increasing economic growth in Wales. (906616)

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Question number two. Three Mr Speaker then two.

11:39

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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Sorry. Sorry, sorry Gareth Snell. Question number two, Mr. Speaker.

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Question number two, Mr. Speaker. Sorry. My fault. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. With your permission, I will answer With your permission, I will answer questions two, four, six and nine together. Growth is the number one mission of this government. We are mission of this government. We are creating tens of thousands of jobs in every corner of Wales, and this includes billions of pounds of includes billions of pounds of investment into nuclear power in Anglesey to AI growth zones, a defence growth deal, two freeports

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and two investment zones which will deliver further economic growth to Wales. Gareth Snell.

11:39

Gareth Snell MP (Stoke-on-Trent Central, Labour )

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Gareth Snell. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, because of decisions of the UK Labour government, minimum and Labour government, minimum and living wage will increase, boosting wages for thousands of workers across this country, including 160,000 people in Wales. Could the Secretary of State set out what impact he thinks this critical

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announcement will have on the economy and peoples of Wales? Yeah. So can I thank my hon. Friend

11:40

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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for his question from April, a full time worker on the National Living Wage will see their annual pay rise by £900. That's on top of the £1,400 increase that we announced in the previous Budget, and 18 to 20 year olds working full time on the national minimum wage will get an annual increase of £1,500, which, when added to last year's increase of 2500 pounds, means £4,000 extra a year. This Labour government is supporting the lowest paid workers across the country, with 2.7 million workers, including in Stoke-on-Trent Central, Cardiff East and every other constituency directly benefiting.

11:40

Paul Waugh MP (Rochdale, Labour )

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Well. programme recently, alongside existing funds for Real and Wrexham. Given the North West strong economic and family ties to North Wales, I was also proud to secure £20 million for Rochdale in Pride and Place programme, Home Secretary to update the House on the difference these growth funds and other funds will make to economic development in the region Thursday.

11:41

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, the introduction of the Pride in Place programme meant good news for Rochdale and good news for Wales too. So a total now of 14 communities across Wales are benefiting from £20 million long term investment to enable the changes that they want to see in their neighbourhoods. This hyperlocal programme will benefit those areas that are doubly disadvantaged, both by the highest deprivation levels and weakest social infrastructure. This is about investing for the long term, creating safer, stronger and more resilient communities with the facilities and infrastructure they need to thrive.

11:41

Chris Vince MP (Harlow, Labour )

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a momentous two weeks for my, well, colleagues with two new AI growth zones in both North and South Wales, a fleet of small modular reactors at billions of pounds of investment and 11,000 new jobs. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that this shows that this Labour government is determined to ensure there will be growth across the UK, including in Wales.

11:42

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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So stay. his question? He's absolutely right. This Labour government has backed Welsh business and economic growth since day one, and the results speak for themselves. New nuclear Wilbur. The two new AI growth zones means well over 11,500 new jobs. Add to that the best inward investment results for years 30% increase in jobs created, 23% increase for projects landed, more jobs, wages rising faster than inflation, more money in the pockets of people across Wales.

11:42

Frank McNally MP (Coatbridge and Bellshill, Labour)

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Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. rightly prioritising the next generation through apprenticeships and engineering opportunities linked to the Welver SMR project. As my right hon. Friend agree that young people in Scotland deserve access to the same world class training pathways as those in Wales, and will she work with colleagues to ensure that Scottish businesses can participate fully in the UK wide nuclear skills pipeline? Despite the ideological opposition from the SNP, which prevents similar investments being realised in Scotland.

A yes.

11:43

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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He's absolutely right to raise this ideology of the nationalists. Nationalists in Scotland turn their back on nuclear jobs for Scots and nationalists in Wales are desperately trying to hide the cavernous split in their party on whether they support new nuclear. This Labour government is absolutely clear. We want economic opportunities for all parts of the UK. We want jobs and skills opportunities for people, including nuclear skills, across the UK and those parties who are hell bent on breaking our country apart are simply exposing the fact that they are willing to put their ideology before the jobs, opportunity and economic benefit of the people and communities of these isles.

11:44

Ann Davies MP (Caerfyrddin, Plaid Cymru)

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Ann Davies Mr.

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Tavares. In order to secure rural economic growth in Wales, we need to ensure that our agricultural sector is supported. agricultural sector is supported. Every pound spent in agriculture generates £9 by supporting farm generates £9 by supporting farm workers, vets, feed merchants, machinery sales and repairs, local shops and I could go on and on and shops and I could go on and on and on. To be honest, what is Wales Office doing to really support all

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Office doing to really support all of those who live and work in rural Wales? So the hon. Lady will know that

11:44

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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So the hon. Lady will know that the Welsh Government have put extra money into farming this year through their Budget, a Budget that through their Budget, a Budget that the party opposite her party in the Senate voted against. We have renegotiated. We are renegotiating SPS deal with the EU following our deal in May, and we are protecting farmers and food manufacturers across Wales.

11:44

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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Jim Shannon. Minister very much for that. If we're going to improve economic growth in Wales, we can also do that collectively. We can do it with tidal energy, which Wales and Northern Ireland share the Irish Sea. Together we can do it with wind turbines and floating wind turbines in the Irish Sea. Again, these are opportunities. We can make it the engineering for those in Northern Ireland and Wales can do that as well. Does the Minister agree? It's time for us work together for this great United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, always better together.

11:45

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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The hon. Gentleman has just set out very eloquently the case for the Union. The nationalists in front of him would break this country apart, ruining economic growth in this country. We are all

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better together. Nick Smith right. We know

11:45

Mims Davies MP (East Grinstead and Uckfield, Conservative)

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Culture Secretary state Mims Davies. On Monday. It was delightful to observe the Chancellor and First Minister Chancellor and First Minister enjoying themselves in one of Wales's premier hospitality venues, but an invisible Secretary of State for Wales once again is this type of business. It's this type of business that must be thriving. If this government has any chance of achieving anything other than anaemic growth and growing unemployment lines. Mr. speaker, I inquire if she had been there, what the hospitality hospitality sector would have said about the minimum wage rises, pressures, huge business rates and energy costs, tourism tax hikes and how this strangling the how it's strangling the economy in Wales, the bloated red tape and wanton spending from Labour run zenith as well.

11:46

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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Yeah. upgraded from 1% to 1.5%. And it's on course to achieve the second fastest growth rate among G7 countries. The Bank of England has cut interest rates five times since the election. The positive impact our UK and Welsh Labour governments are having is clear in how the Welsh economy is changing. Last year in Wales, wages have increased faster than inflation, employment

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has risen, inactivity is down and inward investment is up. Mims Davies.

11:47

Mims Davies MP (East Grinstead and Uckfield, Conservative)

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So clearly something more important than economic growth in Wales came up for Labour's Welsh Wales came up for Labour's Welsh office. Can the Minister explain? And yet the biggest rise in unemployment in the UK was in Wales of 1.4%. Frankly no surprise, their joint refusal to build the M4 relief road, the North Wales Main Line, is not exactly matching the world class infrastructure boost from the Chancellor at the summit. So, Mr. Speaker, I ask, amongst the hobnobbing and backslapping, did any Ministers there spare any thought for the desolate owners and workers of businesses in tatters in Monmouth and wider? And did they work on the ask for extra help to save their livelihoods?

11:47

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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Yeah.

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Well, there was a smorgasbord of questions there. I think I will just say to her that her party, her just say to her that her party, her party wrecked the economy, starved our public services and exacerbated our public services and exacerbated the cost of living crisis. Our labour Budget is reducing the cost labour Budget is reducing the cost of living, investing in public services and shrinking the national debt which they increased whilst at debt which they increased whilst at the same time lifting thousands of children out of poverty that the Tories created.

11:48

David Chadwick MP (Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, Liberal Democrat)

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Tories created. spokesperson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'd like to start by raising a point of like to start by raising a point of order. The Secretary of State said that the Liberal Democrats were responsible for imposing the two child benefit cap. That's simply not true. It was imposed by the Conservatives. And we've we've campaigned tirelessly against it

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ever since. Will she correct the record? It's your question, though. Your question please.

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This government keeps claiming that offshore wind will bring down bills for people in Wales and drive economic growth. But research from Greenpeace shows the opposite is happening. The Crown Estate is pushing up bills by running uncapped auctions that force energy companies to pay huge fees just to use the seabed. Those extra costs are added straight onto the energy bills of families and businesses across Wales, meaning Welsh across Wales, meaning Welsh households pay more. The profits are taken out of Wales, while the Crown Estate CEO pockets 1.9 Crown Estate CEO pockets 1.9 million a year.

Why is the government allowing the Crown Estate to drive up energy bills, and why won't they force the Crown Estate to manage Welsh natural resources in the public interest rather than their own public?

11:49

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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So every Wales questions the hon. Gentleman turns up and starts talking about how he doesn't want infrastructure built in Wales. His party were one of the architects of austerity and the crushing poverty faced by so many across the UK. This Labour government has turned the page on their austerity legacy, bringing down energy bills, increasing the minimum and living wages for around 600. Sorry, 160,000 Welsh workers and scrapping the two child care.

11:50

Q3. What steps she is taking with the Home Secretary to help tackle grooming gangs in Wales. (906617)

Sarah Bool Secretaries of State.

11:50

Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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Minister. matter. The Home Office is working closely with the Welsh Government to share information and coordinate work to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse and exploitation, including grooming gangs. And that includes taking forward the recommendation of Baroness Casey's audit. And I strongly welcome the continued support of the Welsh Government as we do so.

11:50

Sarah Bool MP (South Northamptonshire, Conservative)

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Sarah Bool Welsh. gangs inquiry in the Senate. Labour in Westminster voted against grooming gangs inquiry. Now Scottish MPs are bemoaning the lack of action from the SNP and the Scottish Government, with Welsh Labour also dragging their heels over this inquiry. Will the Secretary of State step up and ensure that Welsh Labour have a Wales wide inquiry into this horrific scandal?

11:51

Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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I am disappointed in the hon. Member. The member must have forgotten that the previous inquiry was not implemented in any way, shape or form and we have accepted Baroness Casey's recommendations in full. We are working together. Welsh Government and the Home Office, alongside Baroness Casey, to urgently appoint a chair. It is victims voices that should be at the heart of this inquiry, and it is imperative that any chair appointed earns the trust of the victims who have been let down far too often for those victims.

We must get this right, and we can absolutely do no less.

11:51

Nick Smith MP (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Labour)

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Nick Smith. Minister say more on how the government is reflecting the experiences of victims when tackling grooming gangs in Wales? tackling grooming gangs in Wales?

11:52

Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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Absolutely. I thank my hon. Friend for raising this really critical matter. We are putting victims voices right at the heart of this inquiry. Their voices must be heard and we are ensuring we are accepting Baroness Casey's recommendations in full, including the introduction of a mandatory reporting, the creation of new child protection authority and ending the three year statute of limitations period for personal injury claims. Making sure again, once again, and I'll say this once again, that victims voices are at the heart of this inquiry.

They have been forgotten for far too

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long. Number five.

11:52

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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Number five. Please, Mr. Speaker. Sarah Smith. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm delighted to hear about the new delighted to hear about the new jobs created. Sorry. Excuse me, Mr. Speaker. Announcements over the past month demonstrate that our industrial strategy is working. In November alone, this government announced investments to create over 11,000 jobs in Wales. The Wales Investment Summit just this week showcased investments totalling £16 billion, which are expected to bring tens of thousands of jobs to Wales.

11:53

Steve Witherden MP (Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. home to the largest one day livestock market in Europe, just off the Buttington roundabout in Welshpool. Will my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming the 55 jobs that have been created within the last month alone on the Buttington roundabout? And would she consider joining me for a milkshake in one of the multiple places? We could now get one together in Buttington?

11:53

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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Yeah. pleased to hear of the new jobs created at Buttington Cross, and I'd be delighted to join him for a milkshake. Strawberry, please. Our landmark may deal with the EU included a commitment to a comprehensive SPS agreement, which we are now actively negotiating. This will reduce paperwork delay and costs for Welsh farmers exporting their animals and produce to the EU. This government is manufacturers.

11:54

Jamie Stone MP (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, Liberal Democrat)

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Jamie Stone is standing up.

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I'm sorry. Don't worry, Mr. Speaker. I'll be brief. We've heard about the benefits that small about the benefits that small modular reactors can bring to Wales and into England. Would the Secretary of State agree with me? They'd be a very good idea if the Secretary of State and I invited Mr. John Swinney to come to Dundee to hear from the workforce how

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to hear from the workforce how badly they want one up there. Yeah. I absolutely do not understand

11:54

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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I absolutely do not understand why the SNP government are not willing to see the creation of jobs and opportunities for people in

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and opportunities for people in Scotland because of their ideology around new nuclear. Mims Davies shadow Secretary of State.

11:55

Mims Davies MP (East Grinstead and Uckfield, Conservative)

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State. Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. ONS reveal a scandalous 1000 jobs are being lost every single day across the country, meaning Aston Martin is not immune from this government's economic recklessness and could soon be forced to make over 100 job losses because of the poor trade deal Labour struck with the US. Mr. speaker, the deal absolutely has no guarantee that small volume car makers like Aston Martin get fair access to the 10% tariff rate from 2026, meaning they could face an eyewatering tariff of 27.5% being imposed if they are squeezed out of the 100,000 car quota to the US.

What will the Welsh Secretary do? Will she turn up to ensure that the iconic Welsh car makers get fair access to the US trade Thursday?

11:56

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, The Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff East, Labour)

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I can tell the hon. Lady that I have been in discussions with Aston Martin, as have Cabinet colleagues, and we are doing everything we can to protect the car industry in this country. One of the biggest problems arising in the car industry is due to their botched Brexit deal, for which she and her government were responsible.

11:56

Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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John Cooper.

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The Welsh tourism sector is thriving. Last year, British residents alone took over 7 million residents alone took over 7 million overnight trips to Wales. The Welsh Government's visitors levy could Government's visitors levy could raise as much as £33 million a year across Wales to invest in communities and tourism. If all communities and tourism. If all councils were to introduce it, this is an excellent example of the Welsh Government leading the way

11:57

John Cooper MP (Dumfries and Galloway, Conservative)

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Welsh Government leading the way and, as announced last week, a similar overnight levy will be introduced in England, allowing

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communities. Beccy Cooper Mr. Speaker, hospitality in Wales

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Speaker, hospitality in Wales and across the United Kingdom is dying on its feet. It needs a shot in the arm instead. The bin fire

11:57

Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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in the arm instead. The bin fire Budget last week gave it a shot in the head. This is more money coming out of businesses, is it not?

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Yes, Minister. Quite the contrary. This will

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Quite the contrary. This will boost the economy by up to £33 million. If all councils were to accept that across Wales. I don't

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accept that across Wales. I don't think that. Will the member going out should

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Will the member going out should wait to two questions. Minister. Wales is leading the way on this

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Wales is leading the way on this and I am proud to be from a city from Cardiff where we're introducing this levy and where people come in droves and I know people come in droves and I know they'll continue to come in droves. Perhaps the hon. Member should look to his own ranks first, because

11:58

Mr Alex Barros-Curtis MP (Cardiff West, Labour)

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to his own ranks first, because conservative run Great Yarmouth Council have supported this form of

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tourist levy for years. Alex Barros-Curtis you, Mr. Speaker, in the Budget last week Speaker, in the Budget last week the UK government gave. Thank you the. Thank you so much. The UK government gave mayoral strategic authorities in England the power to propose local overnight visitor levy, something that has already levy, something that has already been introduced in Wales. Does she agree with me that this is another example of UK Labour Government and example of UK Labour Government and the Welsh Labour Government working together to share best practice to better our country? Can I also take

11:58

Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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better our country? Can I also take the opportunity to ask her to join me in celebrating Cardiff rugby's 149th birthday, which is celebrated this week?

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I thank the hon. Member. Thank

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I thank the hon. Member. Thank you. I would also like to wish Cardiff Rugby a Pamela Nash on Cardiff Rugby a Pamela Nash on their 149th birthday, but I absolutely agree with the hon. Member. Welsh Government is leading Member. Welsh Government is leading the way and it is fantastic to see a similar overnight levy introduced

11:59

Mr Speaker

in which will be introduced in England. This is the power of partnership. Two Labour governments

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working together. Before we come to questions, may

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Before we come to questions, may I extend a warm welcome to the president of the Parliament of Montenegro and his delegation, who

11:59

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Montenegro and his delegation, who are in the gallery today. We now come to Prime Minister's Questions.

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Number one goes to Ian Lavery. Prime Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. speaker, our Budget took important measures to tackle the cost of living. That is why we have frozen rail fares, prescription charges, and cut energy bills for every and cut energy bills for every family by £150. Today, Mr. speaker, we're going further. For too long, parents have been pushed into parents have been pushed into spending more on infant formula than needed, told they're paying for better quality and left for better quality and left hundreds of pounds out of pocket.

I can announce today that we're changing that. We will take action to give parents and carers the confidence to access infant formula at more affordable prices, with clearer guidance for retailers and helping new parents use loyalty points and vouchers together. Mr. speaker, that will save them up to £500 before their child's first birthday. That builds on our action to lift half a million children out of poverty, and breakfast clubs and our Child Poverty strategy will be published later this week. This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others.

In addition to my duties in this House. I shall have further such meetings later today.

12:00

Ian Lavery MP (Blyth and Ashington, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The North East is still picking up the pieces of the destruction and decimation of 14 years of Tory government. Men in the North east of England still expect to live ten years less than people in other parts of the country. Women in the North east of England are making, on average, less than more than £11,000 in wages and people. Other parts of the country, 33% of kids in Mike Martin Blyth and Ashington are living in poverty.

The unemployment rates are above the national average. In the national, wages are below the national average. You know, Mr. Speaker, the people in the North East are proud breed, and we deserve much more than this. Ma'am, can I ask a Prime Minister if he can assure me and the people in my constituency and in the North East, if there's much to look forward to on the horizon? And will you meet with me to discuss how we can Prime Minister. discuss how we can Prime Minister.

12:01

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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He talks about poverty in his constituency and they heckle him. They should be ashamed.

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Our moral mission to tackle poverty. Mr. speaker, we've abolished the two child cap that abolished the two child cap that will be over 3000 children, I think, in his constituency. Lifted out of poverty. I'm very proud to be able poverty. I'm very proud to be able to do that. We boosted the national minimum wage by £1,500. We're adding £150 that we're taking off £150 that we're taking off everyone's energy bills. We're driving economic growth right across the country. Devolving power

12:02

Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)

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across the country. Devolving power and investing across all of the country. Come to the Leader of the

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Opposition. Kemi Badenoch. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And can I first of all, pay tribute.

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tribute. To Sir John Stanley, who passed away yesterday? Sir John was a dedicated MP for 41 years and we send our deepest condolences to his family. Mr. speaker, does the Prime Minister believe that when an organisation descends into total shambles, the person at the top should resign?

12:02

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Prime Minister?

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Mr. Speaker, can I first join in her comments in relation to Sir her comments in relation to Sir John? And I'm sure I speak for the whole House in that respect. Mr. speaker, I was very proud to lead speaker, I was very proud to lead this party at the Budget last week where the Chancellor set out that we would protect the NHS, which we would protect the NHS, which we've done in the Budget, to create the conditions for economic stability, not repeating the stability, not repeating the mistake of austerity and bearing down on the cost of living by taking £150 off energy bills.

We're

12:03

Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)

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taking £150 off energy bills. We're fixing the mess that they left and I'm very proud to be doing so.

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Kemi Badenoch Mr. speaker, he doesn't want to answer a question about taking responsibility because he likes to blame everyone else he likes to blame everyone else except himself. And so it is the Chancellor. We now know that the Chancellor. We now know that the head of the OBR was forced out for telling the truth, that the Chancellor did not need to raise Chancellor did not need to raise taxes on working people. We also taxes on working people. We also know we also know that the Chancellor was briefing the media, twisting the facts.

Also, she could twisting the facts. Also, she could break her promises and raise taxes. Mr. speaker, if she was a CEO, she Mr. speaker, if she was a CEO, she would have been fired. And she might she might even have been prosecuted for market abuse. That's why we've written to the Financial Conduct Authority. So will the Prime Minister ensure the Chancellor fully cooperates with any investigation?

12:04

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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She's completely losing the plot. She clearly. Hughes and his leadership of the OBR? He made very clear why he stepped down, and I made very clear my support of the OBR. But she says take responsibility under this. Chancellor Mr Speaker growth is up this year, defeating and beating the forecast. Wages are up more since the general election than in ten years of the Tories. We've had, I think, five interest rate cuts. NHS waiting lists are down. We've had record investment into this country.

We're turning the page on their austerity and reckless experiment on borrowing. I'd compare that record to them every day of the week.

12:05

Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)

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Mr. speaker, the Prime Minister talks about losing the plot. Let me read to him what his own Cabinet members are saying, and I quote, the handling of this Budget has finish.

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What?

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Who said that? Was it him? Was it her? In fact, I think it was probably her. Actually, it was probably her. Actually, it was probably the Chancellor. In fact, Mr. Speaker, one of his. One of his Mr. Speaker, one of his. One of his Ministers. One of his. Mr. speaker, one of his Ministers said the one of his Ministers said the Chancellor and Prime Minister look weak and incompetent. The country agrees. We know that there were agrees. We know that there were endless Treasury briefings to justify raising taxes on hard working people, to pay for benefits.

working people, to pay for benefits. That those briefings had real world consequences. Hundreds of thousands of people drew down their pension and irreversible act. So the Prime Minister pays tribute to the head of the OBR. If the head of the OBR had to resign over market sensitive leaks, why is the Chancellor still in her job?

12:06

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, last year they left us with a £22 billion black hole. This year? This year, at the beginning of the process, the OBR did a productivity review on their record in office and that cost an additional £16 billion that we had to find in the Budget. But notwithstanding that, Mr. Speaker, we protected the NHS. Waiting times are coming down. Notwithstanding that we've got cutting borrowing at the fastest rate in the G7. Notwithstanding that, we've got £150 off energy bills.

That's added to

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rail bills and prescription as well. She. Order! Order! Mr. Holden, your

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Order! Order! Mr. Holden, your voice carries more than mine. The difference is yours will be coming

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difference is yours will be coming outside, not in the chamber. Mr. Mr. speaker. What? She doesn't understand that picking up a £16 billion tab for their failure is billion tab for their failure is not a good starting point for any Budget. And the OBR said yesterday,

12:07

Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)

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Mr. Speaker, that the Chancellor's speech was not misleading. So if the Leader of the Opposition had any decency, she'd get up now and apologise.

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Mr. Speaker. You might be enjoying a cup of tea with Mr. Holden if you.

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tea with Mr. Holden if you. Mr. Speaker, no one believes a word that the Prime Minister says. We now know the black hole was fake, We now know the black hole was fake, her book was fake, her CV was fake. Even her chest claims are made up. Even her chest claims are made up. She doesn't. She doesn't belong in the Treasury. She belongs in la la land. They raise taxes on working land. They raise taxes on working people. That £16 billion was to increase benefits to protect them increase benefits to protect them from their back benchers.

He now boasts about removing the two child benefit cap, but he used to say that it was unaffordable. He even removed the whip from seven of them for wanting the same thing. He is very happy to throw them under a bus when it pleases him. So I ask the Prime Minister, how did it suddenly become affordable at the very time he needed to save his own very time he needed to save his own skin?

12:08

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, the vast majority of families we helped in the Budget are in work. Three quarters of children in poverty are in working families. Their policy, their policy of nearly ten years on, the two child benefit cap had one result and one result only. It dragged hundreds of thousands of children into poverty. They should be utterly ashamed of that. And I'm very proud that we're lifting half a million children out of poverty, because I believe, I profoundly believe that every child should have a chance in life.

Every child should be able to go as far as their talent will take them. So that's why we're lifting half a million out of poverty. But they're the same old Tories, the party of child poverty. child poverty.

12:09

Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)

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If all of this is true, why did he take the whip away from the people who are asking for it? Let's remind the Chancellor exactly a year ago today, on the 3rd of December, 2024, the Chancellor said, we will never have to repeat a Budget like this one. If only he may have taken the whip away. But the rebels had the last laugh. The Prime Minister has lost. He can't run his own party. He can't, let alone the country. Mr.

speaker, let me quote what the hard left former shadow Chancellor said. He said, we've won. He's right, isn't he?

12:09

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Yes.

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I've said repeatedly that bringing down child poverty is a moral mission, a political mission moral mission, a political mission and a personal mission. They drove hundreds of thousands of children into poverty. Who will pay the price for the rest of their lives for their failure? We're taking half a million of them out of poverty. Very proud to do so. That is good for children. It's good for the economy and it's good for the

12:10

Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)

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the economy and it's good for the NHS will have less of a burden on them. They should be ashamed of what they did on child poverty and

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should stand up. And she should apologise. Kemi Badenoch. Mr. speaker, let me tell the

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Mr. speaker, let me tell the Prime Minister. Let me tell the Prime Minister, making the whole country poorer and destroying jobs is not how you keep children out of poverty. In the past week, in the poverty. In the past week, in the past week, we've seen broken promises, broken leadership and a promises, broken leadership and a broken, broken Budget for benefits from a broken Budget for benefits from a broken Budget for benefits free. The the Education Secretary is chuntering.

Where is the money for the children on special educational needs? Where is it? educational needs? Where is it? Where is it? Unemployment is up. Unemployment is up. It's coming out of her Budget. It's coming out of her Budget. She's shaking her head. She doesn't know where that money is coming from. But let's be clear, Mr. Speaker. Unemployment is up. There are more children now growing up in workless households because people are losing their jobs. It's not just the head of the OBR who's losing his job.

Millions of people have been hung out to dry by their Budget. And isn't the truth. Mr. speaker, that behind it all is a Prime Minister who only cares about one person's job. His own. one person's job. His own.

12:11

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Prime Minister. Mr. speaker. thinks the Chancellor should resign because the economy is improving. We are turning the page on their failure. We are bringing waiting lists down. We're bringing stability that cuts inflation and interest rates, and we're bringing down bills. We're building a brighter future.

12:11

Claire Hanna MP (Belfast South and Mid Down, Social Democratic & Labour Party)

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For other. backgrounds having serious discussions about building something new. Yesterday here in Westminster, along with the Member for South Antrim, who has a different view to me, we hosted two of the island's most respected journalists, making the case both for and against Irish unity. While both positions were argued, clear voice was at the time for careful preparation is now. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that while there is much work to do before any referendum, that to avoid a mess like Brexit, it is prudent and completely compatible with the Good Friday Agreement for the Irish and British governments to jointly British governments to jointly prepare for constitutional change.

12:12

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Prime Minister. One of the greatest achievements of the last Labour government was the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, and we fully support that agreement, which brought peace and stability for Northern Ireland. It does, as she well know, set out a process for future decisions which, under the agreement I support and we are focussed in working constructively with the executive and others on all issues, including the record settlement under the Budget for Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland.

12:12

Rt Hon Ed Davey MP (Kingston and Surbiton, Liberal Democrat)

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The Liberal Democrats are Ed Davey. join the Leader of the Opposition in paying tribute to Sir John Stanley and sending our condolences to his family? I had the pleasure of working with him over a number of years on developing the relationship between our country and Korea, and he was always a true gentleman. Mr. speaker, yesterday I was in Royal Tunbridge Wells, where tens of thousands of people have had no water for five days. This is now a public health emergency.

And shockingly, it's the second time in just three years when South East Water have let down the people of Tunbridge Wells badly. Parents are queuing up for bottled water for their kids. Pensioners are relying on neighbours to fetch some water for them. Businesses have closed down schools and GPS have been forced to shut. South East Water said it would be sorted on Monday, then yesterday and today. It still hasn't been sorted. So will the Prime Minister convene Cobra? Does he agree that it's time for him to get a grip of this crisis? So it is sorted?

12:14

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Mr. And it is shocking for all the reasons he set out. And I too, have heard South East Water say, as he rightly says, actually, Sunday into Monday, Monday into Tuesday and Tuesday into Wednesday, that they were sorting it and they still haven't sorted. And there's really serious consequences. And we are serious consequences. And we are bearing down on that, as he would expect, because it's such a serious issue.

12:14

Rt Hon Ed Davey MP (Kingston and Surbiton, Liberal Democrat)

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Sir Ed Davey.

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Prime Minister's reply and the actions of the Water Minister. But I do think the government will need to do more because South East Water to do more because South East Water have failed so badly. If I can turn to the Budget now, Mr. speaker, the to the Budget now, Mr. speaker, the Prime Minister's chief economic adviser has recommended a customs union with the EU as one of the most effective ways of generating most effective ways of generating growth. And we agree.

So instead of hitting people with higher taxes in the middle of a cost of living the middle of a cost of living crisis, will the Prime Minister change course in economic policy

12:15

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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change course in economic policy and listen to the piece of wise economic advice from his own economics adviser?

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Hey. Prime Minister. Well, Mr. Speaker, we are getting closer relationships with the EU on a number of fronts, including trade and the economy, including trade and the economy, because that is good for businesses across our country. It's been welcomed by them. We'll continue

12:15

Dr Beccy Cooper MP (Worthing West, Labour)

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welcomed by them. We'll continue down that path, but we do have clear red lines in relation to the single market and the customs union. So within those constraints, we

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will move closer. Doctor Beccy Cooper. Mr. speaker, gambling addiction

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Mr. speaker, gambling addiction is a serious public health harm causing ill health and misery for millions of people in this country. millions of people in this country. The industry now spends £2 billion a year on advertising, often targeting vulnerable people and targeting vulnerable people and exposing our children to harm. Along with many members across this House, I very much welcome the House, I very much welcome the Chancellor's announcement last week to tax harmful online gambling products. Would the Prime Minister

12:16

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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products. Would the Prime Minister agree with me, therefore, that to continue this essential work, we

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