Economic Update Debate

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Department: HM Treasury
Monday 17th October 2022

(2 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jeremy Hunt Portrait Jeremy Hunt
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I did not say that Labour opposed the furlough scheme. What I said was that Labour Members like it when we spend money, but they oppose all the measures necessary for the economy to be able to afford them.

When it comes to corporation tax, I would love to reduce it. In the long run, I think we do get more money. [Interruption.] Well, I am answering the hon. Gentleman’s question. We do get more money back, but that has to be on money that we actually have—it cannot be on borrowed money, which is why we have changed direction.

Anthony Mangnall Portrait Anthony Mangnall (Totnes) (Con)
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I am utterly delighted to see my right hon. Friend in his place. It was an honour to be on his campaign team at the very beginning.

May I add one small point? Last week, I met representatives from the hospitality and tourism sector, which sees the possibility of 10,000 businesses going out of business. Will he meet me and representatives from the sector to talk about what we can do to keep it open, because it is absolutely the powerhouse of the British economy?

Jeremy Hunt Portrait Jeremy Hunt
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After my hon. Friend’s generous comments, the answer is absolutely, yes.