Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Lewis Excerpts
Wednesday 2nd November 2022

(2 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Rishi Sunak Portrait The Prime Minister
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Obviously, charitable status is a matter for the Charity Commission, but more generally, we believe in free speech and the vibrant debate of ideas. That is a good thing and we should do absolutely nothing to stamp it out even when we disagree with it.

Julian Lewis Portrait Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)
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In the run-up to the autumn statement, will my right hon. Friend do everything he can to persuade the Chancellor to assist those people who took out mortgages in good faith and are now at risk of losing their homes through unaffordable increases?

Rishi Sunak Portrait The Prime Minister
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My right hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise mortgage payments. This is why it is absolutely crucial that we put our public finances on a sustainable footing to limit the increase in interest rates, because ultimately that is what puts pressure on people’s mortgage payments, and that is what this Government are determined to do. In the short term, I hope he can direct his constituents to the support available through the welfare system for those with mortgage payments.