All 1 Debates between Mark Harper and George Osborne

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mark Harper and George Osborne
Tuesday 24th June 2014

(10 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris White Portrait Chris White (Warwick and Leamington) (Con)
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12. What recent assessment he has made of the effect on the economy of the level of employment.

George Osborne Portrait The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne)
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There are more people in work than ever before, with the latest figures showing the fastest increase in employment since records began. Today we have the very welcome news that Abu Dhabi will be investing £1 billion in building new houses in Manchester. That is a step towards it becoming the northern powerhouse I want to see, and it is a £1 billion vote of confidence in our long-term economic plan.

Mark Harper Portrait Mr Harper
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Between 2003 and 2008 the Labour Government did create jobs, but unfortunately less than 10% of them benefited British citizens. Since this Government have come to power, through our skills, immigration and welfare policies over three-quarters of the 1.4 million new jobs have benefited British citizens. Is that not a long-term economic plan of which to be proud?

George Osborne Portrait Mr Osborne
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I pay tribute to his contribution in making sure that the jobs that are being created in this recovery are jobs that British people have the skills and incentives to take. It is heartening that three-quarters of these jobs are going to UK citizens, as opposed to the truly staggering record of the last Government, when less than a quarter were taken by British citizens.