Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Rachel Reeves and Simon Opher
Tuesday 4th November 2025

(2 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Simon Opher Portrait Dr Simon Opher (Stroud) (Lab)
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T1.    If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.

Rachel Reeves Portrait The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
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May I first pay tribute to all those who responded to Saturday’s horrendous attack: the quick-thinking driver, the emergency services, and the heroic LNER staff member Samir Zitouni who bravely saved the lives of passengers?

The Government were elected to break a cycle of decline. We have returned the public finances to a firm footing, invested in Britain and begun to rebuild our economy. But times remain challenging: global uncertainty is dampening growth and increasing the cost of borrowing; while inflation remains too high and productivity too low. In the face of those challenges, my task is clear. At the Budget later this month, I will continue to build the strong foundations to secure Britain’s future, protect our NHS, reduce our national debt and improve the cost of living for a fairer, more prosperous Britain with an economy that works for everyone.