Budget Resolutions

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Harriett Baldwin

Wednesday 30th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)]

Order. The hon. Lady has made it very clear that she is not giving way, so please allow her to continue.

[Dame Harriett Baldwin]

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Anyone who has ever worked in business knows that they need to increase the productivity of their business, and investment in that business is linked to its profitability, profits that will fall as a result of the measures that have been imposed on business today. When we work out the numbers, I think those measures will equate to about 4p on corporation tax. This is a Budget of broken promises that will end up giving the British people less growth. Members do not have to listen to me to hear that: they can listen to the Office for Budget Responsibility, which forecasts a short-term boost to growth but a longer-term reduction in the sustainable growth rate of the British economy thanks to the measures that the Chancellor outlined today.

In the months since the Chancellor took office, we have seen the evidence. We have already seen businesses shutting at double the rate they were a year ago. We are already seeing a plunge in business confidence, and we have heard the former chief economist of the Bank of England say that the socialist narrative we have had since the election has generated

“fear and foreboding and uncertainty”.

This is a Budget of broken promises—a straightforward breach of promises to the British public—and it is a dreadful day for the British economy.

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

When we go through Hansard, I am sure we will see that the hon. Member did not mean to accuse another hon. Member of lying—changing that term to “misleading” would have been far more appropriate. No doubt the hon. Member agrees with me.

--- Later in debate ---

[Dame Harriett Baldwin]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I referred to the Prime Minister’s words on national television, and I was quoting him directly, but if I have inadvertently misled the House, I apologise.

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

Thank you so much. That was an absolutely appropriate way to respond.