Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Oral Answers to Questions

Jim Shannon Excerpts
Tuesday 29th October 2024

(2 days, 12 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Rachel Reeves Portrait Rachel Reeves
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All of the above. That is why my hon. Friend is in his place and Conservative Members are on the Opposition Benches.

Jim Shannon Portrait Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
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If the Chancellor wants to increase investor confidence, the thing to do is help small and medium-sized enterprises. Tomorrow she will have the opportunity to do that. What will be done to help them? In Northern Ireland, 85% of businesses employ 10 or fewer employees. If she helps the SMEs in Northern Ireland, that will increase employment.

Rachel Reeves Portrait Rachel Reeves
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I know that the hon. Gentleman is a proud supporter of businesses big and small in his constituency and across Northern Ireland. I will set out more detail in tomorrow’s Budget, including on business rates, but I recognise how important it is for us to support small businesses, so that they can grow and create jobs right across the United Kingdom.