Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

Debate between Luke Hall and Chris Leslie

Thursday 9th July 2015 Commons Chamber

[Chris Leslie]

Let me pick who I want to give way to. I give way to the hon. Member for Thornbury and Yate.

[Luke Hall (Thornbury and Yate) (Con)]

Alistair Darling used a very simple set of words. He said:

“Labour is in disarray”

and is

“paying the price of not having a credible economic policy.”

Does the hon. Gentleman agree?

[Chris Leslie]

I have not used those words. The hon. Gentleman is reporting words that have apparently been said.

I believe it is important that the Opposition today look at the spin and the headlines that the Chancellor created in his Budget yesterday. Less than 24 hours later, the Budget is beginning to unravel—[Interruption.] Have I said something wrong? The Budget is beginning to unravel and I will explain why, but in the spirit of magnanimity I want to explain that there are Budget measures that we welcome. The Budget fails to address the long-term challenges Britain faces—[Interruption.]