Oral Answers to Questions

John Glen Excerpts

Tuesday 29th January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Wes Streeting (Ilford North) (Lab)]

11. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union on the Bank of England’s forecasts for the economy after the UK leaves the EU.

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (John Glen)]

On 28 November, the Bank of England published analysis on how the short-term impact of leaving the EU could affect the Bank’s ability to meet its objectives for monetary and financial stability. That analysis is published independently and reported to Parliament, but in line with normal practice, no comment will be made on discussions between Ministers.

[Wes Streeting]

The Bank of England knows that no deal will be a disaster, and so do Ministers and the Chancellor, yet the Prime Minister is whipping her MPs to vote today for an amendment that will make it more likely. What does that say about the Chancellor? Does the continued presence of no deal on the table speak to his lack of influence, his lack of authority or his lack of courage?

[John Glen]

I very much regret the hon. Gentleman’s tone. As he knows, the reality is that the best way of avoiding a no-deal scenario is to get behind the Prime Minister’s deal and vote for it.

[Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab)]

I was contacted this week by a constituent who runs a business in Derry/Londonderry. He writes:

“The official position is that”

the recent bomb attack

“is nothing to do with Brexit; everyone I’ve spoken to finds this laughable—it is everything to do with Brexit. The danger, irresponsibility and absurdity really comes home to you when the bomb disposal Land Rovers are screaming past our office.”

What does the Chancellor think the implications of Brexit will be for jobs in Northern Ireland, when local employers feel like this?

[John Glen]

I very much recognise the risks associated with no deal. That is why the Government are very clear, as the Prime Minister will set out shortly, about the imperative for the House to come behind the deal and vote for it.

[Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD)]

13. If he will take steps to prevent the 2019 loan charge from being applied retrospectively.

--- Later in debate ---

[Dame Caroline Spelman (Meriden) (Con)]

T7. Will the Chancellor give a firm commitment that debts owed to major Departments such as Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions will fall within the breathing space scheme?

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (John Glen)]

A consultation was launched in October, and we intend it to be as wide as possible. The consultation closes today and the Government will respond shortly, but we are very sympathetic to where my right hon. Friend is coming from.

[Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)]

T4. What discussions has the Chancellor had with the Transport Secretary about the economic impact of a no deal on cities that have regional ports?

--- Later in debate ---

[David Linden (Glasgow East) (SNP)]

T9. Last week, in an absolute hammer blow to the east end of Glasgow, Santander announced that it was closing the Parkhead branch and abandoning the east end. So when I meet Santander bosses this afternoon, can I have the UK Government’s support in saying that they should keep our branches open, rather than waffle about post offices? Will the Minister give a clear, unequivocal message at that Dispatch Box to save our Santander?

[John Glen]

What I can tell the hon. Gentleman is that banks must make commercial decisions on the basis of what works for them. When I visited Scotland, I found they were also keen to work with post offices and the Government’s provision to make sure that services can be delivered through the Post Office.

[Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)]

Average wages in my constituency are below the national average, with many people earning the living wage. Tax rates really matter to them, so is that not precisely why we Conservatives voted for a tax cut for 32 million people, by contrast with the Opposition? Will we continue to be truly the party for working people?