Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Johnny Mercer and Elizabeth Truss

Tuesday 17th April 2018 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

It is very important that in the negotiations with the European Union we always keep the option of no deal on the table; otherwise, we will not get the best possible deal. But we are very confident of achieving a good deal. Why is the hon. Gentleman not welcoming the fantastic economic news we have had this morning: the lowest unemployment—again—since 1975, and wages up by 2.8%? It seems to me that there are an awful lot of Eeyores on the Opposition Benches.

[Johnny Mercer (Plymouth, Moor View) (Con)]

7. What assessment his Department has made of the effect of the introduction of the national living wage on low pay.

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Elizabeth Truss)]

The national living wage has increased levels of pay. In fact, we have seen the wages of the lowest fifth of our population in terms of earnings increase by 7% in real terms since 2015.

[Johnny Mercer]

My right hon. Friend will know that the two biggest policies that have put more money into the pockets of the lowest earners in this country have come from this Government—namely, the increase in the tax threshold and the minimum wage. What more will the Government do to make sure that private businesses, together with public services, are working to continue to increase wages and improve the quality of life in cities such as Plymouth?