Middle East: Economic Response

Debate between Lillian Jones and Rachel Reeves

Thursday 21st May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Reeves]

I very much hope that families and businesses in Leyton and Wanstead can benefit from the changes that I have set out today. I know that the cost of renting is very high, especially in London, and the Renters’ Rights Act should give greater certainty and stability to renters and limit rent increases. In addition, families in Leyton and Wanstead will benefit from the offer of 30 hours of free childcare, the abolition of the two-child limit on universal credit and the roll-out of free breakfast clubs to primary schools. From September, straight after the summer holidays, all children whose parents or carers are on universal credit will benefit from free school meals.

[Lillian Jones (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab)]

I am proud that this Government are backing British industry, from ceramics to British steel, in today’s announcement. Will my right hon. Friend look at possible measures to support the UK wood and timber sector? It is facing challenges such as price volatility, rising costs, supply chain pressures and missed targets for productive tree planting.

[Rachel Reeves]

The measures announced today will help ceramics and the chemicals sector, but other schemes, such as the supercharger scheme and the British industrial competitiveness scheme, will benefit other sectors across the economy. I am sure that the relevant Minister would be happy to meet my hon. Friend specifically to discuss wood and timber issues.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lillian Jones and Rachel Reeves

Tuesday 27th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Lillian Jones (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab)]

12. What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department’s policies of the final report of the Covid Counter-fraud Commissioner, published on 9 December 2025.

[The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)]

This Government are determined to get back all the money that was lost through covid fraud and corruption. That is why I appointed the covid corruption commissioner when I became Chancellor, and we have already brought in £400 million that the previous Government gave up on.

[Lillian Jones]

This Government have recouped £400 million in covid fraud and error, with HMRC recovering a massive £1.3 billion, as well as aggressively pursuing the firm linked to Baroness Mone, PPE Medpro. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this Government’s relentless recovery action demonstrates that it is only under Labour that this money is recovered from fraudsters to do what it should do, which is to fund our public services?

[Rachel Reeves]

Sadly, I cannot comment on any individual cases, but I am absolutely determined to get that money back, because that money belongs in our schools, hospitals and public services, not in the pockets of Tory friends and donors.