Middle East: Economic Update Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Middle East: Economic Update

Ben Lake Excerpts
Tuesday 24th March 2026

(1 day, 9 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Rachel Reeves Portrait Rachel Reeves
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I thank my hon. Friend for that question. It is great to see that investment in the gas networks coming into Peterborough, supported by him. That is in stark contrast to the Conservatives, who got rid of our gas storage facilities, stalled on nuclear and stalled on renewables. As a result, they left us more vulnerable to an energy price shock.

Ben Lake Portrait Ben Lake (Ceredigion Preseli) (PC)
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What contingency planning is taking place to support non-domestic energy bills, especially in rural areas such as mine where a great number of small businesses and community organisations rely on heating oil and LPG?

Rachel Reeves Portrait Rachel Reeves
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I am sure that the hon. Member will agree that the best thing we can do to support households and businesses is to de-escalate the crisis and bring it to an end as quickly as possible. But, as I set out in my statement, I will not tolerate businesses price gouging and earning excessive profits because of the conflict in the middle east. The CMA therefore has new powers to ensure that does not happen, and we are targeting support at those who most need it.