Middle East: Economic Update Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Middle East: Economic Update

Ben Spencer Excerpts
Tuesday 21st April 2026

(1 day, 7 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Rachel Reeves Portrait Rachel Reeves
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More than one third of that support for energy bills went to the top third of households. That makes no sense at all, especially when those households then end up being burdened with higher interest rates on their mortgages, higher inflation in the shops, and higher taxes for years to come. The right approach is a targeted one, to keep costs and interest rates down for everybody. Of course, the best economic policy would be a de-escalation of this conflict, not ramping it up, as the Conservatives and Reform want to do.

Ben Spencer Portrait Dr Ben Spencer (Runnymede and Weybridge) (Con)
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The Chancellor will be aware of how important aviation is to the UK economy, particularly Heathrow, which is responsible for a huge amount of air freight and economic activity in my constituency. Given the reports regarding the supply chain for kerosene used in aviation, what measures is the Chancellor taking to ensure kerosene supply? What consideration has she given to tax relief to ensure that our aviation sector is sustainable and continues to contribute to the UK economy?

Rachel Reeves Portrait Rachel Reeves
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As the hon. Gentleman knows, the Government are a big supporter of our airports and the aviation sector. That is why we are backing a third runway at Heathrow, a second runway at Gatwick, as well as expansion at Stansted and Luton airports. We are in regular contact with the aviation sector. It is currently not reporting any challenges with security of supply, but as the hon. Gentleman and the House would expect, we are planning for all different scenarios. The best way to ensure security of supply is to reopen the strait of Hormuz by working to de-escalate this conflict.