UK Economy Debate

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Department: HM Treasury
Monday 19th February 2024

(10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Bim Afolami Portrait Bim Afolami
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I do not agree with the hon. Lady. I will not repeat everything I just said to the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Justin Madders), but this Government and this Treasury are sticking to our plan for growth. That is all put at risk by the Labour party.

Richard Foord Portrait Richard Foord (Tiverton and Honiton) (LD)
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The Office for Budget Responsibility assessed Boris Johnson’s trade and co-operation agreement, which sets out the trading relationship between the UK and the EU, at the beginning of last year, and it said that the TCA has reduced long-run productivity by 4%. Why does the Minister think that is?

Bim Afolami Portrait Bim Afolami
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We built on the trade and co-operation agreement through the Windsor framework, and the Opposition do not propose to change it. Indeed, the TCA is fundamental to the stability of our relationship with the European Union, and I do not think the country would benefit from unpicking it once again.