Economic Update

Debate between Jeremy Hunt and Khalid Mahmood

Monday 17th October 2022 Commons Chamber

[Jeremy Hunt]

I have regular contact and will continue to have regular contact—[Interruption.] Excuse me, would you let me answer? Sorry, Madam Deputy Speaker, but I was hoping the hon. Gentleman would let me answer.

I have regular contact with my Finance Minister counterparts in the devolved nations—and, indeed, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury had such discussions today—but this economic council is something different. This is about trying to make sure that we deal effectively with the instability we have seen in the markets, which is mainly London-based, and we want to make sure that it does not happen again, so I think I have four fantastic people for that role.

[Mr Khalid Mahmood (Birmingham, Perry Barr) (Lab)]

My constituents in Birmingham, Perry Barr and the people of the west midlands, who work tirelessly to be able to secure homes for their families, now look on in disbelief as they are having to focus on soaring energy bills in addition to crippling mortgage interest rates. Can the Chancellor explain how he will ensure that my constituents will not lose all they have worked for and will not need to make a choice between heating, eating or keeping their homes?

[Jeremy Hunt]

We are taking difficult decisions, and we will do whatever it takes to restore economic stability. That is the biggest single thing we can do.