Office for Budget Responsibility Forecasts

Jim McMahon Excerpts

Monday 1st December 2025 Commons Chamber

[James Murray]

What is clear is that we delivered a Budget to cut the cost of living, cut NHS waiting lists and cut Government borrowing.

[Jim McMahon (Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton) (Lab/Co-op)]

Is it not the case that after 14 years of the Conservatives telling the country that politics cannot make positive change, this Government have delivered answers on the two-child limit, apprenticeships, the future economy and decent public services? That is why the Conservatives’ response is as it seems to be. However, this incident has not covered the OBR in glory. I hear Ministers expressing confidence in the OBR and faith in the role that it has to play in the future. Surely, though, this is the moment to say that it is on its last warning.

[James Murray]

My hon. Friend is right to point out that the OBR plays a critical role in the Budget process and an important role in the robust and transparent fiscal framework that underpins our approach in government. Indeed, the first Bill passed by this Government included the fiscal lock, which prevents the sidelining of the OBR that the previous Government did, causing chaos for people across this country.