Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Gwynne Excerpts
Tuesday 19th April 2016

(8 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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George Osborne Portrait Mr Osborne
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Of course I respect my hon. Friend’s views. We are having a referendum, and his vote and my vote count equally. I would make the point that our membership of the European Union enhances our national security—that point was also raised by the Secretary-General of NATO last week. Not one of this country’s allies or friends abroad are recommending that we leave the EU.

Andrew Gwynne Portrait Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab)
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The number of people sleeping rough on our streets has doubled since 2010 and increased by 30% in the past year alone, which is a shocking indictment of Government policy and society as a whole. Will the Chancellor step in and intervene in the shambles that is the Housing and Planning Bill, and ensure that support for homeless people such as hostels and specialist accommodation is protected?

George Osborne Portrait Mr Osborne
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In the Budget we provided more than £100 million extra to help with the problem of homelessness and the particular problem of rough sleeping. We have provided money for second-stage accommodation for people as they leave hostels, to ensure that they have secure accommodation to go to. I am always happy to listen to further representations or ideas from the hon. Gentleman or any other Member.