Autumn Statement Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Autumn Statement

Keir Mather Excerpts
Wednesday 22nd November 2023

(1 year ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jeremy Hunt Portrait Jeremy Hunt
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My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. High inflation is destabilising for an economy: it stops businesses investing, it stops families spending, and it causes misery to people who see the cost of their weekly shop go through the roof. That is why it has been our No. 1 priority. It would be great if it were Labour’s, too.

Keir Mather Portrait Keir Mather (Selby and Ainsty) (Lab)
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It is frankly embarrassing that the Chancellor and the Prime Minister have spent this afternoon celebrating inflation staying 2% above target, while families in Selby and Ainsty face 10% food inflation every time they use the supermarket. What message does the Chancellor think his celebrations send to those hard-working families?

Jeremy Hunt Portrait Jeremy Hunt
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It is not celebrating that has halved inflation from 11.1% a year ago; it is hard work and difficult decisions, which unfortunately were mainly opposed by Labour.