Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will take steps to maintain the triple lock on state pensions after the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government is committed to ensuring that older people are able to live with the dignity and respect they deserve, and the State Pension is the foundation of state support for older people.

The Government's immediate focus must be on supporting people and businesses through this difficult period. That is why we announced an extension to the furlough scheme, which has already saved millions of jobs.

Given the unprecedented economic context and the challenges facing the UK economy, we will take stock of the economy and public finances as we exit the current crisis and make the right decisions at that point.

It is premature to speculate about future public finances, budgets and the economy. We are thinking first and foremost about protecting people's health, their jobs and supporting businesses. The Office of Budget Responsibility and the Bank of England have said if we did not do what we are doing today the costs in the future would be far higher.

As with all aspects of Government policy, we will keep tax rates and spending under review, and any decisions on future changes will be taken as part of the annual Budget process in the context of the wider public finances.