Middle East: Economic Response Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Middle East: Economic Response

Lillian Jones Excerpts
Thursday 21st May 2026

(2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Rachel Reeves Portrait Rachel Reeves
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I very much hope that families and businesses in Leyton and Wanstead can benefit from the changes that I have set out today. I know that the cost of renting is very high, especially in London, and the Renters’ Rights Act should give greater certainty and stability to renters and limit rent increases. In addition, families in Leyton and Wanstead will benefit from the offer of 30 hours of free childcare, the abolition of the two-child limit on universal credit and the roll-out of free breakfast clubs to primary schools. From September, straight after the summer holidays, all children whose parents or carers are on universal credit will benefit from free school meals.

Lillian Jones Portrait Lillian Jones (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab)
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I am proud that this Government are backing British industry, from ceramics to British steel, in today’s announcement. Will my right hon. Friend look at possible measures to support the UK wood and timber sector? It is facing challenges such as price volatility, rising costs, supply chain pressures and missed targets for productive tree planting.

Rachel Reeves Portrait Rachel Reeves
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The measures announced today will help ceramics and the chemicals sector, but other schemes, such as the supercharger scheme and the British industrial competitiveness scheme, will benefit other sectors across the economy. I am sure that the relevant Minister would be happy to meet my hon. Friend specifically to discuss wood and timber issues.