Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Rachel Reeves and Catherine Atkinson

Tuesday 8th April 2025 Commons Chamber

[Catherine Atkinson (Derby North) (Lab)]

T5. The defence sector is a vital part of our local economy in Derby, particularly with the landmark £9 billion deal struck with Rolls-Royce, which is supporting the Royal Navy’s submarines and providing a major jobs boost. Does the Chancellor agree that national security goes hand in hand with economic security and, in turn, financial security for households?

[The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)]

The first duty of any Government is to keep the nation safe. That is why we are increasing defence spending as a share of GDP to 2.5%—the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the cold war. Derby has a vital role to play within the UK’s defence sector, particularly in nuclear engineering and aerospace, as demonstrated by the landmark £9 billion deal with Rolls-Royce, which will create up to 1,000 jobs in the city and protect thousands more.

Public Spending: Inheritance

Debate between Rachel Reeves and Catherine Atkinson

Monday 29th July 2024 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Reeves]

My right hon. Friend the Work and Pensions Secretary is considering that report as we speak.

[Catherine Atkinson (Derby North) (Lab)]

For my constituents, this mess goes beyond money. It is about trust in politics. Does the Chancellor agree that the damage goes even deeper than the harm to our economy that she has set out?

[Rachel Reeves]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Today’s revelations of a £22 billion in-year overspend come on top of partygate and the handing of contracts to friends and donors to the Conservative party during the pandemic. That dents public trust. I have come to the House today to be open and transparent about the state of the public finances and the action that I will take to sort out this mess.