Economic Update

Debate between Jeremy Hunt and Aaron Bell

Monday 17th October 2022 Commons Chamber

[Jeremy Hunt]

I am not making any commitments on individual areas of any tax or spend, but yes, I absolutely understand the pressures faced in local government.

[Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Con)]

I welcome the Chancellor to his place. I welcome what he said about economic stability, the stability he has brought, and what he said about protecting the most vulnerable, which my constituents will welcome. When the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme voted for me and for the Government in 2019, they wanted us to deliver Brexit, deliver them from the Labour party, and deliver levelling up. Despite the difficult economic circumstances, can the Chancellor reassure me that the Government will continue to spread opportunity, growth and investment across the nation?

[Jeremy Hunt]

I am absolutely delighted to give that assurance. It is a fundamental part of the Conservative philosophy that economic opportunity should be evenly shared across the country, and we accept that it is not at the moment.