Replacement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer

Rushanara Ali Excerpts

Monday 17th October 2022 Commons Chamber

[Penny Mordaunt]

First, I fully appreciate the optics of my appearing at the Dispatch Box, but there is a very genuine reason why the Prime Minister is not here. I understand that people will wish to make political hay out of it. She would wish to be here, but she is unable to be here at the moment. The Chancellor will be along shortly to answer these questions.

[Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow) (Lab)]

Last Friday, the value of the pound fell after the Prime Minister walked out of her press conference after just over eight minutes. Is it not increasingly the case that she and her Government are a risk to Britain’s financial stability? It is time she stopped shirking and turned up to be held accountable, or she should get out of the way and call a general election.

[Penny Mordaunt]

I stress again to all honourable colleagues that there is a very good reason why the Prime Minister is not here. The Chancellor will be making a statement shortly, when Members will be able to ask him these questions.