Public Finances: Borrowing Costs Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Public Finances: Borrowing Costs

Harriet Cross Excerpts
Thursday 9th January 2025

(1 day, 17 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Darren Jones Portrait Darren Jones
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That is exactly why our fiscal rules are non-negotiable. While the Conservatives borrowed to pay the bills every month because they did not have enough money to pay for all their promises, this Government are investing in the future of our country, whether through reforming public services or investing in infrastructure and opportunities for growth. That is exactly the right approach to the economy; it is what our fiscal rules demand, and what we will be held to.

Harriet Cross Portrait Harriet Cross (Gordon and Buchan) (Con)
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Next has said that it will increase prices by 1%, directly because of the increases to national insurance contributions, and has warned of slowing growth. With business confidence plummeting, gilts at a 26-year high and growth stagnating, do the Government still maintain that they have an iron grip on public finances, or will they admit that their Budget has done exactly what the Conservatives warned: increase costs, increase prices and reduce growth?

Darren Jones Portrait Darren Jones
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The question was whether the Government have an iron grip on public finances; the answer is yes.