Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

Debate between Iqbal Mohamed and Bernard Jenkin

Wednesday 28th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Bernard Jenkin]

I beg the hon. Gentleman to listen to himself. What he is basically saying is that the reason there will be such gargantuan increases in welfare payments between now and 2031-32 is that it is all our fault—that it is because of what we did. [Hon. Members: “Yes!”] It is not. The Government have not begun to tackle the welfare state problem. We should have done; and they must do so, or we are heading for a fiscal crisis. It is interesting what the Red Book says about the forthcoming fiscal crisis.

[Iqbal Mohamed]

Will the hon. Gentleman share his assessment of the impact of increasing the retirement age to 66 and 67, with a target of 70, on the availability of junior jobs for young people to get into work?