All 1 Debates between Helen Whately and Stephen McPartland

Wed 21st Feb 2018
Finance (No. 2) Bill
Commons Chamber

3rd reading: House of Commons & Report stage: House of Commons

Finance (No. 2) Bill

Debate between Helen Whately and Stephen McPartland
3rd reading: House of Commons & Report stage: House of Commons
Wednesday 21st February 2018

(6 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Finance Act 2018 View all Finance Act 2018 Debates Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts Amendment Paper: Consideration of Bill Amendments as at 21 February 2018 - (21 Feb 2018)
Helen Whately Portrait Helen Whately
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Another very well-informed point from a colleague about the great progress that women are making in the workplace with the support of this Government.

The headline point that I was keen to make is that this Government have a track record in reducing inequality. I am keen to ensure that we base what we say on the track record—the track record of improving the lives of people on the lowest incomes and of reducing inequality.

Stephen McPartland Portrait Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con)
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Does my hon. Friend agree that this is about not just incomes, but equality of opportunity and aspiration?

Helen Whately Portrait Helen Whately
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I agree. We should not just look at the outcomes. The outcomes are a desired end but, in order to get to a better outcome, the key is to give people opportunities to make the most of their lives. In particular, we should help those who have a difficult start, or who find themselves in a difficult situation. They may need extra help to access the opportunities but, absolutely, opportunity is the key.

Rather than painting a picture that can mislead people into believing this illusion of a perfect world, we need to base claims on substantial policies. I know that it is controversial, but universal credit is making a difference in my constituency for people who want to work and who want to work more hours. I have heard many criticisms of the policy, but genuinely it is making a difference and giving people the opportunity to increase the work that they do. Improvements in the standard of education and the opportunities coming through thanks to the industrial strategy—these are the concrete policies that will make life better for people. That is how we reduce inequalities and that is why I am delighted to support the Government throughout this Finance Bill.