so if childcare from a 2017 onwards. so if we have _ childcare from a 2017 onwards. so if we have some of that back in, that's pointed _ we have some of that back in, that's pointed out, — we have some of that back in, that's pointed out, but we were ready to look at _ pointed out, but we were ready to look at the — pointed out, but we were ready to look at the details. am i happy that they're _ look at the details. am i happy that they're nicking our ideas? it means where'd _ they're nicking our ideas? it means where'd leading the agenda and we will do _ where'd leading the agenda and we will do so _ where'd leading the agenda and we will do so all the way into government and take the country in the direction it needs to go. we were the direction it needs to go. , were talking about growth or the lack of it in the uk since the pandemic bumping down at the bottom of the g7 pile, getting the growth is proving difficult. i'm going to show our viewers the daily telegraph front page with a headline that could be a revolt of conservative mps coursing the tax rise in the budget, talking about corporation tax, but are one you one of those i would like to see tax cuts in this budget? i would like to see tax cuts in this buduet? ., , a would like to see tax cuts in this buduet? ., , ,., budget? i need to pick you up on the fact that we — budget? i need to pick you up on the fact that we are _ budget? i need to pick you up on the fact that we are on _ budget? i need to pick you up on the fact that we are on the _ budget? i need to pick you up on the fact that we are on the bottom - budget? i need to pick you up on the fact that we are on the bottom of - fact that we are on the bottom of the pile on the g7...—

the pile on the g7. .. since the pandemic— the pile on the g7. .. since the pandemic we _ the pile on the g7. .. since the pandemic we have _ the pile on the g7. .. since the pandemic we have not - the pile on the g7. .. since the pandemic we have not gone i the pile on the g7. .. since the i pandemic we have not gone back the pile on the g7. .. since the - pandemic we have not gone back to pre—pandemic levels. are you going to be one of those asking for tax cuts are expecting them in this budget? cuts are expecting them in this bud . et? �* cuts are expecting them in this buduet? �* ., cuts are expecting them in this buduet? ., , , ~ budget? i'm not because i think there is a proto- _ budget? i'm not because i think there is a proto- package - budget? i'm not because i think there is a proto- package going| budget? i'm not because i think. there is a proto- package going on there is a proto— package going on here and i think the thread you see running through previous conservative administrations to this one is such a site for growth but are ways you can achieve that. i was part of the principles we set out in the cabinet in which i sat but you then see the focus on that being maintained and i think are being delivered through the policies that i hope jeremy will delivered through the policies that i hopejeremy will be announcing shortly, including his points on childcare and getting people back into work, because that's your move blocks operating in the economy and help small businesses... bill blocks operating in the economy and help small businesses. . ._ help small businesses... all i can sa is help small businesses... all i can say is that _ help small businesses... all i can say is that chloe _

help small businesses... all i can say is that chloe is _ help small businesses... all i can say is that chloe is really - help small businesses... all i can say is that chloe is really easily i say is that chloe is really easily satisfied — say is that chloe is really easily satisfied. the government and the uk has dropped to the bottom of the growth _ has dropped to the bottom of the growth table, we've essentially stagnated since 2016 at the levels of growth we've have been able to expect _ of growth we've have been able to expect to — of growth we've have been able to expect to have halved since we had the last— expect to have halved since we had the last labour government. that means, _ the last labour government. that means, had we got the same at levels of growth _ means, had we got the same at levels of growth we hides under the last labour— of growth we hides under the last labour government we would have a tdp 800 _ labour government we would have a tdp 800 billion bigger and more in tax receipts. that is an utter failure _ tax receipts. that is an utter failure if— tax receipts. that is an utter failure. if it she's satisfied with that then — failure. if it she's satisfied with that then her encourage a lot need to get— that then her encourage a lot need to get out— that then her encourage a lot need to get out of the way. you that then her encourage a lot need to get out of the way.— that then her encourage a lot need to get out of the way. you are right about the last _ to get out of the way. you are right about the last labour _ to get out of the way. you are right about the last labour government i to get out of the way. you are right i about the last labour government but since then we have had a large number of huge external shocks, including the banking crisis. we had the eu referendum, brexits, then the pandemic and then they can wear in ukraine, so a slightly different context. �* . .

context. brexit were self-inflicted, the were context. brexit were self-inflicted, they were in _ context. brexit were self-inflicted, they were in ukraine _ context. brexit were self-inflicted, they were in ukraine and _ context. brexit were self-inflicted, they were in ukraine and the - they were in ukraine and the pandemic, everyone aside to deal with, _ pandemic, everyone aside to deal with. so— pandemic, everyone aside to deal with, so why alone out of the g7 are with, so why alone out of the g7 are with the _ with, so why alone out of the g7 are with the only— with, so why alone out of the g7 are with the only ones that haven't recover— with the only ones that haven't recover the size of our economy pre—pandemic levels? the bank of england _ pre—pandemic levels? the bank of england does not expect that to recover— england does not expect that to recover until 2076. england does not expect that to recover until2076. it's england does not expect that to recover until 2076. it's relative economic— recover until 2076. it's relative economic decline —— recover until 2026 _ economic decline —— recover until 2026 this — economic decline —— recover until 2026 this is _ economic decline —— recover until 2026. this is driven by ideological obsession— 2026. this is driven by ideological obsession with things like sovereignty and brexit and an inability— sovereignty and brexit and an inability to run the economy properly— inability to run the economy properly because it doesn't caught with your— properly because it doesn't caught with your ear lobe a call without doesh't — with your ear lobe a call without doesn't caught with your neoliberal, ideological obsession. | doesn't caught with your neoliberal, ideological obsession. i was doesn't caught with your neoliberal, ideological obsession.— ideological obsession. i was going to su: est ideological obsession. i was going to suggest we _ ideological obsession. i was going to suggest we don't _ ideological obsession. i was going to suggest we don't were - ideological obsession. i was going to suggest we don't were quick i ideological obsession. i was going to suggest we don't were quick to | to suggest we don't were quick to get into mudslinging, i think angela doesn't get it in terms of brexit and what the country asked the government to do. the key point you're hear today from the chancellor is to be halving

inflation, reducing debt. the labour party has racked up £90 million of unfunded policies, that's problem. reducing inflation and growing the economy. taster; reducing inflation and growing the econom . ~ . �* reducing inflation and growing the econom . . . �* ., reducing inflation and growing the econom . . . �* . . , reducing inflation and growing the econom. ., �* ., ., economy. way haven't had any growth, we for: ot economy. way haven't had any growth, we forgot had — economy. way haven't had any growth, we forgot had stagnation, _ economy. way haven't had any growth, we forgot had stagnation, the - we forgot had stagnation, the biggest — we forgot had stagnation, the biggest cost of living crisis in 50 years. _ biggest cost of living crisis in 50 years. the — biggest cost of living crisis in 50 years, the highest levels of tax burdeh— years, the highest levels of tax burden we've hides in 70 years and we've _ burden we've hides in 70 years and we've got— burden we've hides in 70 years and we've got a — burden we've hides in 70 years and we've got a huge cost of living crisis — we've got a huge cost of living crisis and _ we've got a huge cost of living crisis and a productivity problem. if crisis and a productivity problem. if that's _ crisis and a productivity problem. if that's conservative success, let them _ if that's conservative success, let them get — if that's conservative success, let them get out of the way and have a labour— them get out of the way and have a labour government run an economy with some _ labour government run an economy with some competent.— with some competent. you're inheriting _ with some competent. you're inheriting pointed _ with some competent. you're inheriting pointed out - with some competent. you're inheriting pointed out if - with some competent. you're inheriting pointed out if you l with some competent. you're l inheriting pointed out if you win the next election and kier starmer has optimistically said that a labour government would make the uk the fastest growing economy in the g7. how would you do that, angela?

first of all, we were to make the government has a role to play in industrial— government has a role to play in industrial strategy. we've had no strategy— industrial strategy. we've had no strategy whatsoever from this government, meaning that organisations like british vault have _ organisations like british vault have collapsed before they've have been established. where had not told her to— been established. where had not told her to deal— been established. where had not told her to deal with the green transformation, to meet net—zero, we don't _ transformation, to meet net—zero, we don't talk— transformation, to meet net—zero, we don't talk on _ transformation, to meet net—zero, we don't talk on how people trying to properlyw — don't talk on how people trying to preperly- - -— properly... kier starmer says he does a microcomputer _ properly... kier starmer says he does a microcomputer to - properly... kier starmer says he does a microcomputer to put - properly... kier starmer says he does a microcomputer to put up| properly... kier starmer says he - does a microcomputer to put up taxes to raise money for public services so how would you do it? taste to raise money for public services so how would you do it? we already have the largest _ so how would you do it? we already have the largest tax _ so how would you do it? we already have the largest tax burden - so how would you do it? we already have the largest tax burden for- so how would you do it? we already have the largest tax burden for 70 l have the largest tax burden for 70 years _ have the largest tax burden for 70 years. what we've got to do issue the capacity of government to encourage and lead our businesses to invest— encourage and lead our businesses to invest in— encourage and lead our businesses to invest in the — encourage and lead our businesses to invest in the new industries of the future _ invest in the new industries of the future. we're told there is going to be a green — future. we're told there is going to be a green reset on this budget, the

us have _ be a green reset on this budget, the us have just put aside $400 billion in subsidies to deal with that in the eu — in subsidies to deal with that in the eli are _ in subsidies to deal with that in the eu are going to respond moment we will— the eu are going to respond moment we will be _ the eu are going to respond moment we will be left out of the slow lane again _ we will be left out of the slow lane again if— we will be left out of the slow lane again if we — we will be left out of the slow lane again if we can't have a more ambitious _ again if we can't have a more ambitious industrial policy. does this need to _ ambitious industrial policy. does this need to be _ ambitious industrial policy. does this need to be more _ ambitious industrial policy. pr: this need to be more ambitious, this budget? we talked about the narrative from rishi sunak and jeremy hunt, about steadying the ship, stability, some are but when you listen to what angela has said about the scale of the investments you are getting in the united states, does this need to be more ambitious? i’iiii states, does this need to be more ambitious?— states, does this need to be more ambitious? �* . . . . , , ambitious? i'll afraid what has been set out there _ ambitious? i'll afraid what has been set out there isn't _ ambitious? i'll afraid what has been set out there isn't at _ ambitious? i'll afraid what has been set out there isn't at all— ambitious? i'll afraid what has been set out there isn't at all inspiring i set out there isn't at all inspiring to me and i look forward to hearing what the chancellor has to say and i think you will be setting at the right level of ambition. he will be doing that with people in mind. this is what the focus on helping people into jobs is so is what the focus on helping people intojobs is so important, because what we see there is on the side

british companies who want to recruit more people and they need support in some cases to go into thosejobs. that's support in some cases to go into those jobs. that's were the real ambitious here, a massive contribution will be in the budget and am confident thatjeremy is looking at the right things and from there you will see the progress that people can hold the consensus on to account for doing.— account for doing. thank you, both. i will let account for doing. thank you, both. i will let you — account for doing. thank you, both. i will let you take _ account for doing. thank you, both. i will let you take your _ account for doing. thank you, both. i will let you take your places - account for doing. thank you, both. i will let you take your places in - i will let you take your places in the house of commons chamber. the chamber is filling up ahead of prime minister's questions, that's the choreography on budget a day, will have that as usual. usually a slightly more sedate prime minister's questions perhaps compared to last week's feisty session, and that the speaker frank will turn over to the deputy speaker of the house and we will have the budget statement. and as these changes are going on through the

programme, we have one ourselves, chris mason has left and we are pleased to have nick eardley, he usuallyjoins us after prime minister's questions. listening to mp5, particularly on industrial mps, particularly on industrial strategy, what did you make of it? it's a big bug bear registry that they are hasn't been a clear strategy on things like electric battery manufacturer. we have one electric vehicle manufacturing plant in sunderland, there are 35 being built or under construction or approved in the eu expect to hear a bit about levelling up and investment sounds, we might get a dozen investments owns, but packed with tens of millions of pounds and the point that was made by the mp5 is the hundreds of billions being offered in the us and the eu is about to respond to that, that's hoovering up a lot of international investment than the length by

comparison, some of these schemes to supercharge growth in the regions, the amounts of money are actually quite small. the amounts of money are actually quite small-— quite small. and the investments sounds to what, _ quite small. and the investments sounds to what, exactly? - quite small. and the investments sounds to what, exactly? a - quite small. and the investments sounds to what, exactly? a bit i quite small. and the investments sounds to what, exactly? a bit ofj sounds to what, exactly? a bit of government _ sounds to what, exactly? a bit of government money _ sounds to what, exactly? a bit of government money goes - sounds to what, exactly? a bit of government money goes on - sounds to what, exactly? a bit of government money goes on to i sounds to what, exactly? a bit of| government money goes on to try sounds to what, exactly? a bit of - government money goes on to try and stimulate industries in places where we think we are good and prices like the tees valley, liverpool and the west midlands, trying to put them right university towns as well. we have heard that kind of thing before and i remember that liz truss was going to have decent sound so that is scaled right back. i think the scale of the ambition it for business, i think they would find that frustrating. i business, i think they would find that frustrating.— that frustrating. i wish to show viewers of _ that frustrating. i wish to show viewers of this _ that frustrating. i wish to show viewers of this graph, - that frustrating. i wish to show viewers of this graph, tax - that frustrating. i wish to show viewers of this graph, tax as i that frustrating. i wish to show viewers of this graph, tax as a | viewers of this graph, tax as a percentage of gdp. again, it's the g7 countries, you heard angela eagle, the labour mp, think we have this 70 year high by historic standards, but we have other

countries that have higher burdens of tax as a percentage of gdp. they also have higher growth. also there is this wrestling, chloe smith was one of the conservative mps who did want to see tax cuts, she has changed her mind. that is a political battle, though? it is changed her mind. that is a political battle, though? it is a battle that _ political battle, though? it is a battle that will _ political battle, though? it is a battle that will play _ political battle, though? it is a battle that will play at - political battle, though? it is a battle that will play at this - battle that will play at this afternoon because there is no shortage of tory mps are to angry at the corporation tax increase that will be confirmed in the budget. they are angry that the chancellor is not prepared to countenance other tax cuts and there are politics at play here. i'm sure he will not to wanting to cut tax at some point and it's been known for chancellors to wait for just before it's been known for chancellors to wait forjust before the budgetjust before a general election like next year to set the economy on a path with tax cuts. i think mps like

those who backed liz truss last summer will be worried. thea;r those who backed liz truss last summer will be worried. they will and they have _ summer will be worried. they will and they have been _ summer will be worried. they will and they have been biding - summer will be worried. they will and they have been biding their. summer will be worried. they will i and they have been biding their time and they have been biding their time a little bit, hence some political stability. but if we refer back, using the tax weight to your borrowing forecast, there will be pressure on the chancellor to spend that money that might be all right but spend it all the same, they mightjust be using the fuel duty freeze in the end. irate mightjust be using the fuel duty freeze in the end.— freeze in the end. we should be careful, freeze in the end. we should be careful. that — freeze in the end. we should be careful, that there's _ freeze in the end. we should be careful, that there's not - freeze in the end. we should be careful, that there's not just - freeze in the end. we should be careful, that there's notjust a l freeze in the end. we should be i careful, that there's notjust a pot filling up and the skill it though which is important over time will be more upfront, so if the economy has done better we have dire predictions from the autumn, but maybe far less in future years, lending itself to one of help, and that's exec are

what we've got with the the energy price guarantee. and so we have to borrowing numbers that we can go back to, that's church we showed. so that first bar will go quite considerably. what i was going to say is that from then on we thought that we get higher from later years but the key question is when the obr forecast marks their homework on increased workers and business investment, they may actually say that growth won't got as far as we expected, so it's battle between the stock market impacts. find expected, so it's battle between the stock market impacts.— stock market impacts. and we will see these figures _ stock market impacts. and we will see these figures after _ stock market impacts. and we will see these figures after the - stock market impacts. and we will see these figures after the budget and the obr will publish those figures and we will be able to check exactly and they will be scrutinising whatjeremy hunt is proposing. but scrutinising what jeremy hunt is ro osina. �* . scrutinising what jeremy hunt is --roosina. �* ,. scrutinising what jeremy hunt is --roosina. �* , . . proposing. but there is a dynamic which is interesting _ proposing. but there is a dynamic which is interesting in _ proposing. but there is a dynamic which is interesting in the - which is interesting in the competition between the opposition and the conservatives and the plan. it is important to note that i do

think the treasury and 10 downing street, if you are here sensitive to this idea that they turned what would have a plan, that was being said publicly by senior people in business, and the opposition have a plan of sorts, it needs to be scrutinised, but this comparison internationally too, but what your quirky hearing is that the conservatives have announced a childcare policy that labour did not work actually announce. but labour are now saying to the conservatives, how are you paying with borrowed money for these things that you can you're spend money on now? fin money for these things that you can you're spend money on now? on the workforce. — you're spend money on now? on the workforce, because _ you're spend money on now? on the workforce, because we've _ you're spend money on now? on the| workforce, because we've repeatedly said thatjeremy hunt wants this to be to work budget, the figure sounds huge, nearly 9 million people are

economically inactive, a horrible phrase, but there's always a sizeable chunk of people who are in that bracket. it's up about £500,000 since i had of the pandemic and 1.7 million people say they are out of work because of some kind of caring responsibilities and many of these people will have children. so, is what coconut like we've suddenly shot up? what coconut like we've suddenly shot u - ? . . what coconut like we've suddenly shotu-? . . ., , what coconut like we've suddenly shotu-? . . ., y' what coconut like we've suddenly shot u? ., ., ., , ' ., shot up? that are nearly 9 million --eole shot up? that are nearly 9 million people who _ shot up? that are nearly 9 million people who do — shot up? that are nearly 9 million people who do what _ shot up? that are nearly 9 million people who do what whatever - shot up? that are nearly 9 million people who do what whateverjob| shot up? that are nearly 9 million l people who do what whateverjob or are looking for a job, the bulk of those are over 60, some of them are sick and others have decided just to retire. that was a reason for the pension reforms we expect to be in the budget. pension reforms we expect to be in the budget-— pension reforms we expect to be in the buduet. ., . ., , the budget. how important of these lifetime allowances? _ the budget. how important of these lifetime allowances? it's _ the budget. how important of these lifetime allowances? it's big - the budget. how important of these lifetime allowances? it's big jump? | lifetime allowances? it's big jump? it is, and more relevant is the amount you are allowed to contribute

to your pension is going up, quite a big move but this is very targeted at senior doctors and people in those public sector roles. there saying, let's not worth me going on because i'll getting whacked with taxes on the stuff i'll putting on there. the biggest impediment to growth for many people as a labour force. at the moment, we have building projects not going ahead because the can't finder people to do the work we have hospitality businesses saying they have to close and tuesday because they can't find workers. we might be going into the chamber for prime mr speaker, since i was at the dispatch box a week ago the government has been delivering for

at the uk france are to be immigration deal to protect our borders. irate immigration deal to protect our borders. ~ ., immigration deal to protect our borders. ~ . ,, borders. we facilitated the silicon valley bank _ borders. we facilitated the silicon valley bank at _ borders. we facilitated the silicon valley bank at no _ borders. we facilitated the silicon valley bank at no cost _ borders. we facilitated the silicon valley bank at no cost to - borders. we facilitated the silicon valley bank at no cost to the - valley bank at no cost to the taxpayer and a pact with australia and the us. this morning i had meetings with ministerial colleagues and other in addition to my duties with i have worked illegally as six workers raped by men daily. last week he said _ workers raped by men daily. last week he said they, _

a tweet let me educate him and everyone else in this house that the biggest increase in the last ten years has been from the huge increase in british adults and children trafficked. not a number they should be proud of. how exactly will i hope the next woman here illegally from being repeatedly raped as —— if she as he tweeted. denied access from our modern slave ? ~ , ., denied access from our modern slave ? ~ , . slavery? mr speaker 'ust to correct the honourable _ slavery? mr speaker 'ust to correct the honourable lady,j_ slavery? mr speakerjust to correct the honourable lady, it _ slavery? mr speakerjust to correct the honourable lady, it is - slavery? mr speakerjust to correct the honourable lady, it is actually i the honourable lady, it is actually now a minority of people in our modern slavery referral system that are from the uk. that was not the intention of the legislation when it was introduced. we have a proud record of supporting victims of modern slavery. thousands of victims are supported every year here in the uk and that will not change as we grip illegal immigration.

mr speaker, on monday, the home secretary said that in recent decades there has been, immigration to this country has been too high and all the benches opposite proud disapproval. they want higher immigration, not lower. with my right honourable friend agree that what they need to do rather than importing cheap foreign labour, we need to invest in skills of our own young people? mr; need to invest in skills of our own young people?— need to invest in skills of our own young people? my honourable friend is riaht young people? my honourable friend is ri . ht that young people? my honourable friend is right that we _ young people? my honourable friend is right that we do _ young people? my honourable friend is right that we do need _ young people? my honourable friend is right that we do need to _ is right that we do need to encourage long—term investment in the domestic workforce. we will hear more of this from the chancellor later this afternoon. the department of work is support for industries like construction. our skills camps are rebooting the skill system to support workers to get the skills they need. support workers to get the skills the need. ~ u, ., support workers to get the skills they need-— support workers to get the skills the need. ~ . ., ., . support workers to get the skills the need. ~ _, ., . ., they need. welcome to the leader of they need. welcome to the leader of

the opposition. _ they need. welcome to the leader of the opposition, keir— they need. welcome to the leader of the opposition, keir starmer. - they need. welcome to the leader of the opposition, keir starmer. last i the opposition, keir starmer. last summer the _ the opposition, keir starmer. last summer the prime _ the opposition, keir starmer. summer the prime minister the opposition, keir starmer.- summer the prime minister claimed the opposition, keir starmer— summerthe prime minister claimed he summer the prime minister claimed he wanted to protect free speech and put a stop to no platforming. how concerned was he by the campaign last week by tory mps to cancel a broadcaster? mr speaker, as i said at the time, theissues mr speaker, as i said at the time, the issues between gary lineker and a bbc work for them to resolve and i am very glad, very glad that they did and we can look forward to watching much of the day again on our screens. mr watching much of the day again on our screens-— watching much of the day again on our screens. mr speaker, the sight of them howling _ our screens. mr speaker, the sight of them howling with _ our screens. mr speaker, the sight of them howling with rage - our screens. mr speaker, the sight of them howling with rage over - our screens. mr speaker, the sight of them howling with rage over a l of them howling with rage over a tweet, signing letters in the dozens, desperately trying to cancel a football highlights show. that

should have been laughable. instead it led to a farcical weekend with the national broadcaster being accused of dancing to the government's tune by its own employees. ratherthan government's tune by its own employees. rather than blaming everyone else, why doesn't he take some responsibility and stand up to snowflake mps waging war on free speech? mr snowflake mps waging war on free seech? ~ ,,, . ,, snowflake mps waging war on free seech? ~ .~ , , . speech? mr speaker, 'ust the usual olitical speech? mr speaker, 'ust the usual political opportunism — speech? mr speaker, just the usual political opportunism from - speech? mr speaker, just the usual political opportunism from the - political opportunism from the labour party. because i do not know if he noticed, i do not know if he noticed but actually first the shadow attorney general and then the shadow attorney general and then the shadow home secretary actually criticised the language that had been used. but what a surprise, what a surprise! he saw the chance to jump a surprise! he saw the chance to jump on a political bandwagon and changed his mind. so

jump on a political bandwagon and changed his mind.— jump on a political bandwagon and changed his mind. so mr speaker,... i am not changed his mind. so mr speaker,... i am not being _ changed his mind. so mr speaker,... i am not being funny _ changed his mind. so mr speaker,... i am not being funny i _ changed his mind. so mr speaker,... i am not being funny i think- changed his mind. so mr speaker,... i am not being funny i think our- i am not being funny i think our constituents want to get to the budget — constituents want to get to the budget. the more you shout the more you stop _ budget. the more you shout the more you stop the _ budget. the more you shout the more you stop the questions. the}t budget. the more you shout the more you stop the questions.— you stop the questions. they want more of a prime _ you stop the questions. they want more of a prime minister - you stop the questions. they want more of a prime minister who - you stop the questions. they want | more of a prime minister who does not understand. you can disagree with what somebody says but still defend their right to say it. if he does not understand that we are in a real problem. does he accept concerns about the bbc have been made worse because the government chose to put a tory donor with no broadcasting experience in charge of the bbc? is broadcasting experience in charge of the bbc? , ~ ., , �* �* the bbc? is he well knows, the bbc chairman was _ the bbc? is he well knows, the bbc chairman was appointed _ the bbc? is he well knows, the bbc chairman was appointed before - the bbc? is he well knows, the bbc chairman was appointed before i - chairman was appointed before i became prime minister. he was appointed... he was appointed... the same applies to this side. this budget— same applies to this side. this budget matters to people in this

country — budget matters to people in this country. do not keep questions going longer— country. do not keep questions going longer than _ country. do not keep questions going longer than need to be. there country. do not keep questions going longer than need to be.— longer than need to be. there was a ri . orous longer than need to be. there was a rigorous independent _ longer than need to be. there was a rigorous independent and _ longer than need to be. there was a rigorous independent and long - rigorous independent and long established process. that appointment was supported by expert panel members as well as the cross—party dcms select committee. yet his right that process is being independently reviewed by the office for commissioner of public appointments and we should allow that with you to conclude. the roblem that with you to conclude. the problem is. — that with you to conclude. the problem is, the _ that with you to conclude. tie: problem is, the chair of that with you to conclude. ti9: problem is, the chair of the that with you to conclude. ti9 problem is, the chair of the bbc isn'tjust any problem is, the chair of the bbc isn't just any old problem is, the chair of the bbc isn'tjust any old tory donor, he is so close to the prime minister... order. mrfabricant, iwant so close to the prime minister... order. mrfabricant, i want you to order. mr fabricant, i want you to make _ order. mr fabricant, i want you to make way— order. mr fabricant, i want you to make way for the budget. he order. mr fabricant, i want you to make way for the budget.- order. mr fabricant, i want you to make way for the budget. he is no ordinary tory _ make way for the budget. he is no ordinary tory donor, _ make way for the budget. he is no ordinary tory donor, he _ make way for the budget. he is no ordinary tory donor, he is - make way for the budget. he is no ordinary tory donor, he is so - make way for the budget. he is no ordinary tory donor, he is so close to the prime minister he has been described as his mental. he helped to raise an 800,000 pan credit line for the former prime minister, a

minor detail he forgot to tell the select committee. does the prime minister think his friends position is still tenable? mr minister think his friend's position is still tenable?— is still tenable? mr speaker, as i had 'ust is still tenable? mr speaker, as i had just said. — is still tenable? mr speaker, as i had just said, the _ is still tenable? mr speaker, as i had just said, the office - is still tenable? mr speaker, as i had just said, the office map - is still tenable? mr speaker, as i had just said, the office map of l is still tenable? mr speaker, as i i had just said, the office map of the independent office for the commission of public appointments is reviewing what was a rigorous independent process to appoint the chairman. instead of prejudging and pre—empting that with you, we should let it conclude and wait for the outcome. that is the right way to do things. mr outcome. that is the right way to do thins. ~ ,,, . ,, outcome. that is the right way to do thins. ~ , things. mr speaker, when people with links to the tory _ things. mr speaker, when people with links to the tory party _ things. mr speaker, when people with links to the tory party somehow- things. mr speaker, when people with links to the tory party somehow find l links to the tory party somehow find themselves in senior positions at themselves in senior positions at the bbc, it is important their impartiality is seen to be beyond reproach. as the prime minister received assurances that no one with links to the tory party was lobbied by tory mps, links to the tory party was lobbied by tory mp5, or involved in the decision that saw much of the day effectively cancelled? mr speaker,

these are matters _ effectively cancelled? mr speaker, these are matters for _ effectively cancelled? mr speaker, these are matters for the - effectively cancelled? mr speaker, these are matters for the bbc - effectively cancelled? mr speaker, these are matters for the bbc to i these are matters for the bbc to resolve. it is right that the bbc, as an important institution takes its obligations towards impartiality seriously. i care about the integrity of these institutions. what i would say to him on this matter there is an independent review committee is right that process concludes and i hope he would respect that process. he comes here today with _ would respect that process. he comes here today with his _ would respect that process. he comes here today with his mealy _ would respect that process. he comes here today with his mealy mouth - here today with his mealy mouth platitudes, pretending the actions and his party are nothing to do with him. the whole country still have kept quiet and hid behind the playground that is while they tried to drive someone else in people disagreeing with dan. an impartial public broadcaster, free of public interference is a crucial pillar in

our country. isn't that the tip risk by the council culture addicts on his benches? the bbc leadership that pays into his demands and a prime minister too weak to do anything about them. taste minister too weak to do anything about them-— minister too weak to do anything about them. ~ . :, :, :, . ,, about them. we are not going to take an advice about them. we are not going to take any advice on — about them. we are not going to take any advice on council _ about them. we are not going to take any advice on council culture - about them. we are not going to take any advice on council culture from - any advice on council culture from the labour party. the substance of the labour party. the substance of theissue the labour party. the substance of the issue has been avoided, which underlined the tweet. the anything he and his party has done is voted against our bill to stop the vote, mr speaker stop siding with people smugglers over the british people. that is the substance. what we have done is conclude a new migration deal with france. we have managed to sign a new defence partnership with our allies, the us and australia. we have protected british start—ups and

boosted defence spending. that meant mr speaker, is what delivering for britain looks like. flan mr speaker, is what delivering for britain looks like.— britain looks like. can i 'ust say to ou? britain looks like. can i 'ust say to you? the t britain looks like. can i 'ust say to you? the biggest h britain looks like. can ijust say to you? the biggest day - britain looks like. can ijust say to you? the biggest day in - britain looks like. can ijust say to you? the biggest day in the | britain looks like. can i just say - to you? the biggest day in the house and you _ to you? the biggest day in the house and you want to carry on cheering. i will tell— and you want to carry on cheering. i will tell you — and you want to carry on cheering. i will tell you what... and you want to carry on cheering. i will tell you what. .. there and you want to carry on cheering. i will tell you what... there is plenty— will tell you what... there is plenty of— will tell you what... there is plenty of room, as i mentioned, in the tea _ plenty of room, as i mentioned, in the tea room — plenty of room, as i mentioned, in the tea room for all sides. let me say. _ the tea room for all sides. let me say, angela — the tea room for all sides. let me say, angela richardson wants to get on with— say, angela richardson wants to get on with the — say, angela richardson wants to get on with the questions.— say, angela richardson wants to get on with the questions. thank you, mr seaker. a on with the questions. thank you, mr speaker. a decades _ on with the questions. thank you, mr speaker. a decades surrey _ on with the questions. thank you, mr speaker. a decades surrey research | speaker. a decades surrey research park in guildford has been home to the pioneering space sector. now serie space centre's space craft project has recently received £300,000 to train and recruit dedicated space engineers and dedicated space engineers and dedicate facilities for trialling space technology. well my right honourable friend join me in welcoming this investment and when his diary allows will he come to

guildford to help celebrate local successful immigration and job creation? —— innovation. taste successful immigration and 'ob creation? -- innovation. we are continuing _ creation? -- innovation. we are continuing to — creation? -- innovation. we are continuing to invest _ creation? -- innovation. we are continuing to invest in the - creation? -- innovation. we are continuing to invest in the uk i continuing to invest in the uk thriving sector, including in her constituency. this scheme to support space projects. it is already the leading space cluster in the uk with more investment planning. i look forward to visiting myself all the minister for science and technology to make sure they get the recognition they deserve. fin to make sure they get the recognition they deserve. on monday, as households — recognition they deserve. on monday, as households in _ recognition they deserve. on monday, as households in scotland _ recognition they deserve. on monday, as households in scotland were - as households in scotland were waking to freezing temperatures, they were met with the news that the electricity grid had been upgraded in order to meet the power demands of the prime minister's new swimming pool of the prime minister's new swimming pool. may i ask him, was it whilst he was taking a leisurely dip he decided to leave households drowning in their energy bills?—

in their energy bills? thanks to the actions of this _ in their energy bills? thanks to the actions of this government, - in their energy bills? thanks to the actions of this government, what i in their energy bills? thanks to the l actions of this government, what we have provided is over £1300 to help families with their energy bills over the last year. i do not want to pre—empt what the chancellor will say later that this government has committed to continuing helping with the cost of living. you committed to continuing helping with the cost of living.— the cost of living. you have got to wonder what _ the cost of living. you have got to wonder what planet _ the cost of living. you have got to wonder what planet he _ the cost of living. you have got to wonder what planet he is - the cost of living. you have got to wonder what planet he is on. - the cost of living. you have got to wonder what planet he is on. will| wonder what planet he is on. will households in scotland, energy prices have not been frozen at £2500. the average bill in scotland has been closer to £3500. worse than that, the chancellor is about to get to his feet and announce the £400 energy rebate is about to be scrapped for everyone, notjust in scotland but right across these isles. is it not the case, the tories are not freezing energy bills, they are looking to freeze households. mr bills, they are looking to freeze households.— bills, they are looking to freeze households. ~ . ,

households. mr speaker, actually the government — households. mr speaker, actually the government is _ households. mr speaker, actually the government is delivering _ households. mr speaker, actually the government is delivering for - households. mr speaker, actually the government is delivering for people | government is delivering for people across the united kingdom. energy bills have been our priority which is why over £1000 of support, which is why over £1000 of support, which is benefiting hassles in every part of our country. he talks about delivery. we know because of the snp that trains do not run on time. the police are at breaking point will stop the police are at breaking point and the nhs in scotland experienced the longest ever waiting list. mr speaker, that is not my assessment. that is what we learned in the snp leadership debate last week. . in the snp leadership debate last week. , . , . week. independent retailers are the lifeblood of our _ week. independent retailers are the lifeblood of our high _ week. independent retailers are the lifeblood of our high streets - week. independent retailers are the lifeblood of our high streets and - lifeblood of our high streets and critical to regeneration of town centres. it should cherish the entrepreneurs. will the prime minister join entrepreneurs. will the prime ministerjoin me in congratulating recent winners to find newcastle's independent best loved stores? the

overall winner was the greek bakery, which only opened injanuary 2021. it is already expanding to a second side. i it is already expanding to a second side. :. , it is already expanding to a second side. . , :, :, . , side. i agree with my honourable friend about _ side. i agree with my honourable friend about the _ side. i agree with my honourable friend about the incredible - side. i agree with my honourablel friend about the incredible benefit that small businesses and independent retailers bring to our high streets and economy. i congratulate the team at the greek bakery for winning the competition. i know they will feel reassured by government investment in his constituency through the town deal and funding from the future high streets fund. just ahead of saint patrick's day, can the prime ministerfor his recent visions for northern ireland and hopefully we will see the assembly restored shortly. but budget cuts. it from transforming public services and investing in our

prosperity agenda. while the prime minister and the chancellor work with the northern ireland parties on a financial package in order to transform northern ireland, with a realfocus transform northern ireland, with a real focus on key areas such as health, education and infrastructure?- health, education and infrastructure? . :, ~ infrastructure? can i thank the honourable — infrastructure? can i thank the honourable gentleman - infrastructure? can i thank the honourable gentleman and - infrastructure? can i thank the honourable gentleman and his| honourable gentleman and his colleagues and his party for the engagement they had in the run—up to the windsor framework. it was helpful and i appreciate his constructive involvement. my right honourable friend the northern ireland secretary has been working closely and will work closely with all northern ireland parties, leading discussions on a wide range of issues, including the public finances because i believe the people of northern ireland need and deserve effective, accountable, devolved government up and running as quickly as possible and i hope those talks can be constructive in leaving that aim. in those talks can be constructive in leaving that aim.— leaving that aim. in 2016, the current mayor _ leaving that aim. in 2016, the current mayor of _ leaving that aim. in 2016, the current mayor of london - leaving that aim. in 2016, the - current mayor of london promised zero strikes on london underground.

todayis zero strikes on london underground. today is the 135th day of strikes since then. will my right honourable friend join with me in condemning those strikes that have brought misery to the travelling public in london? but also condemned the mayor of london for his failure to address this? mr of london for his failure to address this? ~ ,,, . ,, , of london for his failure to address this? ~ . ,, , :, :, . , this? mr speaker, my honourable friend is absolutely _ this? mr speaker, my honourable friend is absolutely right - this? mr speaker, my honourable friend is absolutely right about. this? mr speaker, my honourable | friend is absolutely right about the misery being inflicted on londoners by the incompetent running of tfl. not only did the party opposite vote against our minimum service levels which would provide respite for the hard—working british public, the mayor of london since the pandemic has received £6 billion of additionalfunding for has received £6 billion of additional funding for transport services. so for us to be in the situation we find ourselves in today is simply unacceptable. fin is simply unacceptable. in investigation reported in is simply unacceptable. sin investigation reported in the guardian and the bbc revealed that in the last year on more than 450

instances sewage was leaking into cancer wards, instances sewage was leaking into cancerwards, maternity instances sewage was leaking into cancer wards, maternity units and a&e departments. without urgent action the legacy of this conservative government on the nhs will be an image of an nurse cleaning up sewage around a patient in a crumbling hospital. will the prime minister commit to that pledge of building 40 hospitals by 2030, including in west hertfordshire, and will he establish a fund to repair those hospitals that are in a dire state of disrepair? mr those hospitals that are in a dire state of disrepair?— those hospitals that are in a dire state of disrepair? mr speaker, we are investing _ state of disrepair? mr speaker, we are investing record _ state of disrepair? mr speaker, we are investing record sums - state of disrepair? mr speaker, we are investing record sums in - state of disrepair? mr speaker, we are investing record sums in nhs. are investing record sums in nhs capital to upgrade dozens of hospitals across the country, but in particular to build the 40 new hospitals and we are committed in particular to a new hospital scheme at west hertfordshire hospital and nhs trust as part of that programme and the programme is working closely with the trust on their plans in line with the approach we are taking nationally. line with the approach we are taking nationall . , ~ , nationally. does the prime minister auree nationally. does the prime minister a . ree with nationally. does the prime minister agree with me _ nationally. does the prime minister agree with me that _ nationally. does the prime minister agree with me that agro _ nationally. does the prime minister agree with me that agro tech - nationally. does the prime minister agree with me that agro tech is - nationally. does the prime minister agree with me that agro tech is a i agree with me that agro tech is a vital part of the uk economy? and in

particular the excellent work of the research centre at the university in shropshire. could he dispatch the secretary of state to come and look at that centre and in particular the women leading science and maths at harper adams and indeed leading the world? i harper adams and indeed leading the world? :. , harper adams and indeed leading the world? . , :, :, world? i agree with my honourable friend and harper— world? i agree with my honourable friend and harper adams _ world? i agree with my honourable friend and harper adams is - world? i agree with my honourable friend and harper adams is a - friend and harper adams is a fantastic example of the type of innovation and skills provision that we need in our aggro tech sector and thatis we need in our aggro tech sector and that is why i am pleased post—brexit that is why i am pleased post—brexit that we can introduce the gene editing bill which will help drive productivity and efficiency in our agricultural sector even further. the government promised a 40 new hospital three years ago and the prime minister hasjust hospital three years ago and the prime minister has just expressed his intention to proceed again. two years ago in saint mary's paris in hospital ward ceiling fell in during floods and the eye hospital was

closed by a fire and maternity wards were threatened by structural problems. this week trust manager said the infrastructure is having an increasing impact on staff and patients, wejust increasing impact on staff and patients, we just can't afford to continue to waste money on failing buildings. but the hospital is working for the commitment from the government for the funding under the new hospitals programme. will today be the day that the prime minister commit to that specifically? mr seaker, commit to that specifically? mr speaker, as i said previously, the government is committed to the new hospitals programme. we have given record sums to the nhs capital, not just for that programme, but for upgrades across the country, and there is conversations with her trust and others across the country and i look forward to this conversation is continuing. mr speaker. _ conversation is continuing. ij�*i speaker, government conversation is continuing. ti speaker, government at all level, national and local, should always strive to deliver value for money, particularly in a cost of living crisis. therefore, does the prime

minister share my astonishment at my local labour led westminster council voted last week to raise council tax by 2%, housing council tenants' respite 7% and increase allowances for its senior councillors by up to a staggering 45%? you have got to answer. take it from the chair. _ you have got to answer. take it from the chair, please answer. mr speaker. _ the chair, please answer. mr speaker. it _ the chair, please answer. ti speaker, it is disappointing to see that it has been just under a year that it has been just under a year that the now labour run westminster council has put its own councillors per map pay ahead of everything else. i can't believe the figures we have heard from my honourable friend. a staggering, eye watering 45% pay increase when people across our country and the ward are

suffering cost—of—living pressures. it is clear that it is only conservative run councils that deliver for their residents. conservative run councils that deliverfor their residents. mr deliver for their residents. ti speaker, every child in the uk is entitled to free nhs dental treatment, but with 80% of practices not accepting children as new patients, is the prime minister proud of his record on our children's' dental health? mr speaker, we are investing £3 billion in nhs dentistry and because of a reform to the contract there will be 10% more activity this year above contractor levels. there are 500 more dentists in the nhs today, but also a 45% increase in the amount of dental care being provided to children. , . , dental care being provided to children. , . :, :: :, children. five years ago £40 million of ublic children. five years ago £40 million of public funds _ children. five years ago £40 million of public funds were _ children. five years ago £40 million of public funds were set _ children. five years ago £40 million of public funds were set aside - children. five years ago £40 million of public funds were set aside for i of public funds were set aside for brain tumour research, but recent government figures suggest a little at a quarter of that money has been deployed to researchers. the mechanism to distribute research funding is effectively broken. as a

result the brain tumour community has not seen the breakthroughs and treatment that many of us believe they should have. as my friend the prime minister agree with me that are unique, complex disease needs are unique, complex disease needs are unique, complex disease needs are unique response and in what is brain tumour awareness month when he makes brain cancer a critical priority across all cancers? flan makes brain cancer a critical priority across all cancers? can i thank my honourable _ priority across all cancers? can i thank my honourable friend - priority across all cancers? can i thank my honourable friend for. priority across all cancers? can i thank my honourable friend for his thoughtful and powerful question. he is right about the importance of medical research being extradited so we can deliver better care for the people who are affected. i will make sure he gets a meeting with the relevant minister so we can ensure that funding gets to the people who need it and we can bring relief as quickly as we can.— quickly as we can. with the encouragement _ quickly as we can. with the encouragement of - quickly as we can. with the encouragement of the - quickly as we can. with the i encouragement of the british government female prosecutors and female churches in afghanistan stood up female churches in afghanistan stood up for the rule of law and for a more inclusive and equal nation. those left behind are in mortal danger. last year i met with senior officials at the foreign office who

were open to making a specific case for at least some of these women to be relocated to the united kingdom, but nothing has happened since then. this dire situation requires prime ministerial intervention, so i am not asking to meet the prime minister was my officials or his ministers, i minister was my officials or his ministers, lam minister was my officials or his ministers, i am asking him directly, will he meet with me to see what we can do for these women? i am will he meet with me to see what we can do for these women?— can do for these women? i am very ha - to can do for these women? i am very happy to meet _ can do for these women? i am very happy to meet with _ can do for these women? i am very happy to meet with the _ can do for these women? i am very happy to meet with the honourable | happy to meet with the honourable lady and she will know that we take our obligations to those helped to serve in afghanistan, particularly through our relocation schemes. we have already brought 20,000 refugees from afghanistan to the uk. we have worked closely with the unhcr and others on those legal roots, but i would be happy to meet with her to make sure that we are targeting our compassion and generosity on the people who most need it and not those who are coming here illegally. mr speaker, at the height of the

pandemic centre assessed grades allowed our young people to move forward with their lives. lara, my very brave, young constituent is now battling cancer and will not sit her gcse exams she has worked so hard for and could be left with only a certificate of recognition. in exceptional circumstances such as these why can't the same principles apply? would my right honourable friend the prime minister look compassionately at this situation? may i start by sending my best wishes to lara and taki my honourable friend for raising her case in parliament. of course it is incredibly upsetting and challenging for children and young people to be diagnosed with a serious illness and especially so close to their exams. there are allowances are made in the

first instance, they can speak to the school or college to make those reasonable adjustments, but i would be happy to make sure that we work with my honourable friend to find a solution in lara's case. i with my honourable friend to find a solution in lara's case.— solution in lara's case. i welcome the pm's drives, _ solution in lara's case. i welcome the pm's drives, but _ solution in lara's case. i welcome the pm's drives, but does - solution in lara's case. i welcome the pm's drives, but does he - solution in lara's case. i welcome | the pm's drives, but does he know that 1.75 million people in england are illiterate, often diagnosed late in life, if at all. would he thank the entirely voluntary read easy who are turning this right at £250 per reader and trying to eradicate this problem which is costing our economy 25 billion a year in lost competitiveness? i 25 billion a year in lost competitiveness? i agree with the honourable _ competitiveness? i agree with the honourable lady, _ competitiveness? i agree with the honourable lady, literacy - competitiveness? i agree with the honourable lady, literacy and - honourable lady, literacy and numeracy are critical for adults to be able to participate both in society and in the economy. i am happy to praise read of easy for the work they do and am learning more about them. but the best thing to do

is to ensure our young children get the reading and skills and training and education they need and because of the reforms introduced by previous conservative government, particularly with phonics, we have now marched up the international league table and have the best result for reading we have seen in a very long time. result for reading we have seen in a very long time-— result for reading we have seen in a very long time. more than a quarter ofthe very long time. more than a quarter of the economic _ very long time. more than a quarter of the economic output _ very long time. more than a quarter of the economic output of _ very long time. more than a quarter of the economic output of this - of the economic output of this country is in sectors overseen by some of our major regulators such as ofwat and ofgem, but historically there has been very little in the way of oversight to say whether they are doing a good job or a bad job, whether achieving international best practice or not. can the prime minister look to see what he can do to address this historical oversight and enable regulators to play their part in ensuring economic growth? figs part in ensuring economic growth? as always, my honourable friend makes a very thoughtful point and he is absolutely right about the importance of our regulators in driving growth and competitive investment in our economy. the chancellor will have something to say on this later on, but he should

rest assured that we will keep at it to make sure there is accountability and oversight of our regulators. we all want to see more growth in our economy and they need to play their part in delivering it. zt} economy and they need to play their part in delivering it.— part in delivering it. 20 years after defeat _ part in delivering it. 20 years after defeat in _ part in delivering it. 20 years after defeat in the _ part in delivering it. 20 years after defeat in the second . part in delivering it. 20 years i after defeat in the second world part in delivering it. 20 years - after defeat in the second world war the first japanese bullet train travelled 300 miles from tokyo to osaka at 200 miles an hour. isn't it a measure of the government was 's incompetence and lack of commitment to the regions and lack of commitment to infrastructure that it is not expected that 24 years after a conservative transport secretary announced that hs2 would happen birmingham, manchesterand announced that hs2 would happen birmingham, manchester and london will not be linked in that time? mr speaker, we are actually delivering their biggest rail investment... the biggest rail investment since the

victorian era. let me point out, to the honourable gentleman, compared to when labour were last in office the investment going into the north is 30% higher every single year under this conservative government. we are delivering for communities across the north with more trains, more buses, more stations and more roads because a conservative government doesn'tjust roads because a conservative government doesn't just talk about it, it gets on and delivers it. i hope very much that later today we will hear news of help for motorists and small businesses. the motors and small businesses in bromley and in outer london will be hit later this year by the mayor of london's stealth tax in the form of low emission areas. is it not time to revisit the local government act and revise it so such charges can only be imposed on london boroughs with the consent of the buyers

themselves? mr the consent of the buyers themselves? ~ ,,, . ,, , themselves? mr speaker, my honourable _ themselves? mr speaker, my honourable friend _ themselves? mr speaker, my honourable friend makes - themselves? mr speaker, my honourable friend makes an i themselves? mr speaker, my - honourable friend makes an excellent point and he is right the mayor of london should listen to the voices of families and small businesses as he inflicts his damaging taxes on them. this government is always on them. this government is always on the side of small business people. finishing on time, because we are expecting jeremy hunt, the chancellor to stand up shortly. there is a brief swapping over of personnel. you can see that lindsey cinema co lindsey hall —— lindsay hoyle has left. the chairman of ways and means coming in. jeremy hunt will be swapping places with rishi sunak, before he makes his hour—long statement. keir starmer decided to focus his questions on the fallout from the match of the day presenter gary lineker and his tweet,