Spring Forecast Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Spring Forecast

Jessica Morden Excerpts
Tuesday 3rd March 2026

(1 day, 10 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Rachel Reeves Portrait Rachel Reeves
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What the hon. Lady fails to mention is that the Office for Budget Responsibility has forecast that unemployment will come down in every year of the forecast, and will end at a lower rate than it started. It would be a bit more plausible for her to make these points if she did not oppose everything we are doing to grow the economy, whether that is constructing a third runway at Heathrow airport or building the homes that families desperately need.

Jessica Morden Portrait Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab)
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The rail fare freeze benefits constituents who have seen rail fares rise by 60% since 2010. Also, the recent announcement of two new railway stations in Newport East is warmly welcomed. Can I encourage the Chancellor to continue to invest in Welsh transport infrastructure?

Rachel Reeves Portrait Rachel Reeves
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Constituents in my hon. Friend’s Newport constituency will benefit when they commute to work or college, or travel to meet friends in Cardiff, Swansea, Bristol and elsewhere. In addition, we are building new railway stations and investing in new transport infrastructure in Wales with the £450 million that we announced at the spending review last year.