Middle East: Economic Response

Debate between Adam Jogee and Rachel Reeves

Thursday 21st May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Reeves]

Yesterday, we introduced the toughest set of sanctions on Russia that this country has ever had, but like the previous Government, we are phasing those in so that they do not have a disproportionate impact on industry here in the UK. That is what the previous Government did, and that is what we are doing as well.

The hon. Gentleman mentions support for people with the cost of heating oil. We were pleased to be able to introduce targeted support in areas that are particularly dependent on heating oil. We are doing a piece of work at the moment to see how much money has been used by local authorities—some have been more proactive than others in ensuring that local residents get support—and once we have completed that, we will look at whether and what further support is needed.

[Adam Jogee (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab)]

I welcome the statement and the action that those of us in ceramic communities have been calling for, and I thank the Chancellor for announcing it. This is a good day for all of us in north Staffordshire. As it happens, staff from a ceramics business based in Newcastle-under-Lyme are sitting in the Gallery watching this statement; I welcome them. Can the Chancellor assure us of two things: first, that the eligibility for the support in this scheme will be as wide as possible, and secondly, that it will be as easy as possible to apply for?

[Rachel Reeves]

I am pleased to know that staff from a business in the ceramics sector in Newcastle-under-Lyme are here today, and I say to them directly: this Government have got your back and want to work with you and the trade unions that represent people in the sector to ensure that the ceramics industry plays an important part in British life—particularly in the pottery communities —for many years to come. Of course, we will set out the details of the scheme, but like my hon. Friends who represent these communities in Stoke, Newcastle and Amber Valley, this Government are very keen to crack on with the scheme and make sure that businesses can get the support they deserve.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Adam Jogee and Rachel Reeves

Tuesday 10th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Reeves]

I agree with the hon. Gentleman. We are trying to de-escalate the conflict in the middle east, because if we can get vessels moving again through the strait of Hormuz, we will deal with a lot of these problems. I am working closely with both Lloyd’s of London—I met its representatives yesterday—and my G7 colleagues to ensure that those vessels can get moving again. At the same time, I think that everybody has heard the stories in this Chamber and from our constituents about the problems of price gouging. We have to address that, and I have asked the CMA to look at it. Members across the House will have a chance tomorrow to set out their case to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in more detail, so that we have all the information needed to make the case.

[Adam Jogee (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab)]

My constituents in Newcastle-under-Lyme are sick and tired of poor-quality, dangerous roads. The county council has resources from this Government, and must stop being missing in action. What message does the Minister have for Staffordshire county council?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Adam Jogee and Rachel Reeves

Tuesday 4th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Adam Jogee (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab)]

T5. My constituents are grateful for the Government’s work to get our national health service back on track. Our local Royal Stoke university hospital is doing better but there is still much more to do. Will the Chancellor assure me that our national health service will always remain free at the point of need under this Labour Government and confirm that the Government utterly reject an insurance-based system, as recommended by the Reform political party?

[Rachel Reeves]

The NHS will remain free at the point of use for as long as there is a Labour Government. That is not something that Reform is able to promise. As usual, Reform does one thing and says another. In Kent, the party said that it would find efficiencies to keep down council tax, but it has not found a single one and that is why the 2 million people who live in Reform council areas will get a council tax rise next year.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Adam Jogee and Rachel Reeves

Tuesday 29th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Reeves]

I have always respected the right hon. Gentleman, but I think it is important for us not to deny the seriousness of the situation that we face with the black hole in the public finances. Combined with the lashing out at independent economic institutions, it suggests that he has more in common with Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng than perhaps we thought. I watched my party lurch towards an ideological extreme and deny reality, and we spent years in opposition as a result. The shadow Chancellor risks taking his party down the same path.

[Adam Jogee (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab)]

T2. My constituency’s beer and pub sector makes a significant contribution to the economy, both locally and nationally. Our 76 pubs and two breweries generate £23 million in tax receipts each year. Will the Chancellor work with the sector to unlock its growth potential, in Newcastle-under-Lyme and across our country?