Economy and Jobs

Debate between John McDonnell and Lindsay Hoyle

Thursday 29th June 2017 Commons Chamber

[John McDonnell]

When it comes to—[Interruption.]

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

Order. I am finding it very hard to hear what the shadow Chancellor has to say. If I cannot hear, you cannot hear. What is the point of posing a question if you cannot wait for the answer?

[John McDonnell]

I am sure that the Chancellor will fill us in on the details when he makes his speech. The reality is that when it comes to cutting taxes, what we have seen over the past seven years is the rich being treated to tax cuts while the poorest in society have seen their services demolished in front of our eyes. The increasing levels of poverty in our society are a direct result of the redistribution of wealth from the poorest to the richest under this Government.

--- Later in debate ---

[Nicky Morgan (Loughborough) (Con)]

It has taken the right hon. Gentleman 33 minutes to get to this country leaving the European Union, which is the defining issue affecting our economy. He talks about divisions. He might want to think about the 100 Members of his own party who have been through the shadow Cabinet during the course of the previous Parliament. He might also want to ask questions about the lamentable performance of his leader, and his Back Benchers might want to ask him questions about his lamentable performance in the EU referendum last year. If they felt that strongly about Brexit, they would have defended our membership of the EU.

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

I hope to call the right hon. Lady very early on and save her speech until then rather than now. That will help everyone.

[John McDonnell]

It was a great speech, though. I am quite used to throwing red books about in this place. I will send the right hon. Lady a copy of the manifesto my party is united behind.