live from london, this is bbc news. in the us, a state of emergency declared in maryland after a cargo ship hit a bridge in baltimore, leading to its complete collapse. this is an unthinkable tragedy. we have to first and foremost pray for all of those who are impacted. authorities describing this as a "mass casualty event" as they say up to 20 people and several vehicles have fallen into the river. the high court in london rules that wikileaks founder julian assange can appeal against his extradition to the us, if washington fails to give an assurance that the death penalty will not be imposed. we'll take you to westminster where in a moment the prime minister is due to be questioned

by senior mps. you are watching bbc news. we will head to westminster now, where the prime minister, rishi sunak, is due to take questions before mps of the liaison committee, and we have life pictures coming in from westminster. good afternoon, prime minister. i think the best way to start is to say how it is the economic strategy going? say how it is the economic strategy auoin ? . ~ say how it is the economic strategy oiiin? ., ~' say how it is the economic strategy iioin? ., ~ i. ., say how it is the economic strategy ioiin? ., ~ i. ., say how it is the economic strategy ioiin? ., ~ ., , ., , going? thank you for the preamble. when i first — going? thank you for the preamble. when i first got _ going? thank you for the preamble. when i first got this _ going? thank you for the preamble. when i first got this job _ going? thank you for the preamble. when i first got this job i _ going? thank you for the preamble. when i first got this job i sent - going? thank you for the preamble. when i first got this job i sent out . when i first got this job i sent out five priorities, three of them were economic, to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt and i'm pleased to say we have made progress

on all three, critically on inflation, which was the number one economic objective, to bring it down from the record highs that we have seen at ii%, and they are very encouraging, down to 3.5%. we would all like to see the economy grow faster, but it is worth saying it defied the sceptics last year, significantly outperformed expectations and dead, in fact, grow, and all the signs from early this year are that it has returned to growth, as we saw in the latest gdp figures. obviously we are on track to meet our fiscal rules to make sure that debt is falling. those are the three main priorities i set out, progress on all three, and happy to expand in detail as you would like. ., ~ , ., ., , would like. thank you. i mean, debt has ione would like. thank you. i mean, debt has gone un — would like. thank you. i mean, debt has gone up massively _ would like. thank you. i mean, debt has gone up massively over- would like. thank you. i mean, debt has gone up massively over the - has gone up massively over the course of this parliament. this has been a parliament where there's been a record amount of public spending, there has been a pandemic, an energy

crisis, but on that third economic priority, in terms of debt, the office for budget responsibility actually says that this year it is just below 89% of our economy, and it is actually rising every year for the next few years, and then forecasters slightly dip in the fifth year. ijust forecasters slightly dip in the fifth year. i just wonder forecasters slightly dip in the fifth year. ijust wonder how forecasters slightly dip in the fifth year. i just wonder how you feel about that, prime minister, given how important it is having debt under control for the strategic priorities of government. i debt under control for the strategic priorities of government.— priorities of government. i think it is very important _ priorities of government. i think it is very important that _ priorities of government. i think it is very important that we - priorities of government. i think it is very important that we have - priorities of government. i think it. is very important that we have debt under control because that financial security is notjust important for the country, it is important for the future of our public services, and i think everyone knows the context of the last few years, obviously a pandemic which necessitated the government to step in for the nhs, and that allowed for public services more generally, but also the energy crisis which required the government

to step in and support households with energy bills. both of those occurrences once in a generation, once in a century, that necessitated an increase in public debt but i'm pleased we are meeting our fiscal rules, both of them as the obr have verified. i think every time the chancellor has stood up since i got this job, chancellor has stood up since i got thisjob, the overall chancellor has stood up since i got this job, the overall debt profile has improved in terms of percentage and gdp. headline debt is forecast to fall from next year, and we have always had on the medium term trajectory we have debt falling, which the rule set out and the obr have confirmed to be a meeting it. but that requires constant discipline on public spending, and spending decisions, as you know. but ou spending decisions, as you know. pm you confirm that debt is still rising, and rising for the next several years, and under no scenario that i have seen from anyone is it ever forecast to return to what it was before the pandemic. do you think there is any hope for future

taxpayers that debt could ever reach those kinds of levels again? yes. taxpayers that debt could ever reach those kinds of levels again?- those kinds of levels again? yes, i would like to _ those kinds of levels again? yes, i would like to believe _ those kinds of levels again? yes, i would like to believe so. _ those kinds of levels again? yes, i would like to believe so. our - those kinds of levels again? yes, i would like to believe so. our fiscal would like to believe so. ourfiscal rules were clear from the outset about the trajectory that we would have debt falling under, and actually headline debt i think starts to fall from next year, rather than several years. that was the right thing to do, given that at the right thing to do, given that at the time i came to office it was necessary to support the economy in the short term, and make sure that in medium term there is fiscal strength, which is what the rules confirmed that we are delivering. and over time there is no reason for it not to continue falling, as long as we have strong control over public spending. that then will allow us to, and the same time as growing the economy, continue to reduce debt over the medium term. just to put it on the record, the obr has debt rising from just under 89% this year, up to 93.2% in 2028, and ijust wondered if i could slightly change the subject, as you

mentioned recent budgets, when we had the chancellor in front of our committee he accepted and was disappointed that on the morning of the budget, one of the main items in the budget, one of the main items in the budget, one of the main items in the budget, the cup to national insurance, was, infact, lead the budget, the cup to national insurance, was, in fact, lead to the national papers —— cut. i wonder if you knew how that had happened and if there is a leak inquiry under way. if there is a leak inquiry under wa . , . if there is a leak inquiry under wa , , ., , if there is a leak inquiry under wa . , ., , if there is a leak inquiry under wa. , ., , ., way. yes, headline debt was forecast to be 100% of— way. yes, headline debt was forecast to be 10094. of gdp _ way. yes, headline debt was forecast to be 10094. of gdp by _ way. yes, headline debt was forecast to be 10096 of gdp by 27-28 - way. yes, headline debt was forecast to be 10096 of gdp by 27-28 when - way. yes, headline debt was forecast to be 100% of gdp by 27-28 when i i to be 100% of gdp by 27—28 when i first got into this job, and to be 100% of gdp by 27—28 when i first got into thisjob, and it is now forecast to be around 5% lower than that, so on every event we have had the profile has improved. i deplore these leaks, particularly around budget measures and i suffered from them as chancellor myself. i can't recall the specific situation around that leak inquiry, but in general leak inquiries are instituted when there has been a breach of confidentiality that we expect, particularly around the budget process with the market

sensitivity of those measures. 50 sensitivity of those measures. sr there has been a leak inquiry about there has been a leak inquiry about the leak of the budget this time then? i the leak of the budget this time then? . . �* the leak of the budget this time then? . ., �* . ., the leak of the budget this time then? ,,. then? i can't recall specifically on that measure, _ then? i can't recall specifically on that measure, but _ then? i can't recall specifically on that measure, but i _ then? i can't recall specifically on that measure, but i will- then? i can't recall specifically on that measure, but i will happily l that measure, but i will happily write back to the committee but in general leak inquiries are instituted when there is a leak of sensitive information. obviously it has historically proved difficult to identify the culprits of those, but it is in no one �*s interest... it is certainly not in the interest of the government to have sensitive budget measures leaked. timer;r government to have sensitive budget measures leaked.— measures leaked. they must be kept on a very tight _ measures leaked. they must be kept on a very tight need _ measures leaked. they must be kept on a very tight need basis. _ measures leaked. they must be kept on a very tight need basis. they - on a very tight need basis. they are, typically — on a very tight need basis. they are. typically on _ on a very tight need basis. they are. typically on a _ on a very tight need basis. they are, typically on a very - on a very tight need basis. they are, typically on a very tight - on a very tight need basis. they are, typically on a very tight need to know basis and there is a strong security in the treasury which i know well myself. that tends to become tougher right at the end of a process, where obviously the net widens towards the end with all the material starting to be published and all the rest of it, but in general there is a strong information security so it is

disappointing to see. i information security so it is disappointing to see. i look forward to seeini disappointing to see. i look forward to seeing the _ disappointing to see. i look forward to seeing the letter. _ disappointing to see. i look forward to seeing the letter. health - disappointing to see. i look forward to seeing the letter. health and - to seeing the letter. health and social care- _ to seeing the letter. health and social care. the _ to seeing the letter. health and social care. the nhs _ to seeing the letter. health and social care. the nhs long - to seeing the letter. health and - social care. the nhs long workforce plan has _ social care. the nhs long workforce plan has a _ social care. the nhs long workforce plan has a productivity _ social care. the nhs long workforce plan has a productivity increase - social care. the nhs long workforce plan has a productivity increase per| plan has a productivity increase per annum _ plan has a productivity increase per annum between_ plan has a productivity increase per annum between 1.5%_ plan has a productivity increase per annum between 1.5% and _ plan has a productivity increase per annum between 1.5% and 2%. - plan has a productivity increase per annum between 1.5% and 2%. the. annum between 1.5% and 2%. the budget— annum between 1.5% and 2%. the budget committee _ annum between 1.5% and 2%. the budget committee of— annum between 1.5% and 2%. the budget committee of the - annum between 1.5% and 2%. the budget committee of the nhs- annum between 1.5% and 2%. the budget committee of the nhs to. annum between 1.5% and 2%. the - budget committee of the nhs to 1.9%, so top _ budget committee of the nhs to 1.9%, so top end _ budget committee of the nhs to 1.9%, so top end a— budget committee of the nhs to 1.9%, so tap end. a year— budget committee of the nhs to 1.9%, so top end. a year over— budget committee of the nhs to 1.9%, so top end. a year over the _ budget committee of the nhs to 1.9%, so top end. a year over the second - so top end. a year over the second half of— so top end. a year over the second half of this— so top end. a year over the second half of this decade, _ so top end. a year over the second half of this decade, and _ so top end. a year over the second half of this decade, and you - so top end. a year over the second half of this decade, and you have l half of this decade, and you have put £54— half of this decade, and you have put £3.11 billion _ half of this decade, and you have put £3.11 billion behind _ half of this decade, and you have put £3.11 billion behind that, - half of this decade, and you have. put £3.11 billion behind that, which i'm sure _ put £3.11 billion behind that, which i'm sure is — put £3.11 billion behind that, which i'm sure is badly needed. - put £3.11 billion behind that, which i'm sure is badly needed. the - i'm sure is badly needed. the chancellor_ i'm sure is badly needed. the chancellor said _ i'm sure is badly needed. the chancellor said there - i'm sure is badly needed. the chancellor said there are - i'm sure is badly needed. thei chancellor said there are parts i'm sure is badly needed. the . chancellor said there are parts of the nhs — chancellor said there are parts of the nhs that_ chancellor said there are parts of the nhs that are _ chancellor said there are parts of the nhs that are woefully - chancellor said there are parts of the nhs that are woefully in - chancellor said there are parts of. the nhs that are woefully in need, and which — the nhs that are woefully in need, and which parts _ the nhs that are woefully in need, and which parts are _ the nhs that are woefully in need, and which parts are they _ the nhs that are woefully in need, and which parts are they and - the nhs that are woefully in need, and which parts are they and how. and which parts are they and how confident— and which parts are they and how confident are _ and which parts are they and how confident are you _ and which parts are they and how confident are you this _ and which parts are they and how confident are you this will - and which parts are they and how confident are you this will move i and which parts are they and how. confident are you this will move the dial and _ confident are you this will move the dial and move — confident are you this will move the dialand move it— confident are you this will move the dial and move it fast? _ confident are you this will move the dial and move it fast? it— confident are you this will move the dial and move it fast? [i is - confident are you this will move the dial and move it fast?— dial and move it fast? it is not the government _ dial and move it fast? it is not the government 's _ dial and move it fast? it is not the government 's productivity - dial and move it fast? it is not the government 's productivity plan, l dial and move it fast? it is not the | government 's productivity plan, it government �*s productivity plan, it is that of the nhs themselves. that's in my starting point. it has been backed, the £3.11 billion of largely capital investment. it will unlock punitively tens of billions of pounds of saving over the

forecast period. —— cumulatively. i think the most fertile areas that the nhs have identified are to do with the greater use of digital technology. about 13 million hours they estimate is lost by doctors and nurses every year due to outdated it systems. to give you some examples, theatre processes, which if those can be digitised or effectively, that will allow the same number of consultants to do around 200,000 more operations a year. similarly, there is technology to allow doctors to help read mri and cat scans more accurately, which will mean that about 130,000 patients extra would get their results quicker. and then the nhs app can be improved to allow confirmation, modification of appointments, and they estimate that will reduce around half a million missed appointments annually, which obviously creates freer capacity for the nhs. so those are some of the areas that they have identified.

another one is the nhs staff app, which will allow more efficient rostering electronically and reduce of framework agencies which you will be familiar with, and the nhs are planning to set out more details later this year. the planning to set out more details later this year.— planning to set out more details later this year. the workforce plan is, without — later this year. the workforce plan is, without question, _ later this year. the workforce plan is, without question, one - later this year. the workforce plan is, without question, one of- later this year. the workforce plan is, without question, one of the i is, without question, one of the most _ is, without question, one of the most significant _ is, without question, one of the most significant in _ is, without question, one of the most significant in health- is, without question, one of the most significant in health care i most significant in health care planning — most significant in health care planning for _ most significant in health care planning for a _ most significant in health care planning for a generation. - most significant in health care planning for a generation. hel most significant in health care - planning for a generation. he would accept _ planning for a generation. he would accept that— planning for a generation. he would accept that getting _ planning for a generation. he would accept that getting this _ accept that getting this productivity— accept that getting this productivity challenge i accept that getting this - productivity challenge right with the things— productivity challenge right with the things you _ productivity challenge right with the things you have _ productivity challenge right with the things you have just - productivity challenge right with the things you have just set - productivity challenge right with the things you have just set out| productivity challenge right with l the things you have just set out is make _ the things you have just set out is make or— the things you have just set out is make or break— the things you have just set out is make or break for— the things you have just set out is make or break for that _ the things you have just set out is make or break for that workforce i make or break for that workforce plan _ make or break for that workforce ilan. , ~' ., , plan. yes. i think the two things come together— plan. yes. i think the two things come together because - plan. yes. i think the two things come together because the - plan. yes. i think the two things - come together because the workforce plan itself has a reform element, which is slightly distinct to the overall nhs workforce, part of the nhs productivity workforce plan there are three elements, train, retain and reform. that is to significantly increase the number of doctors, nurses, dentists and other health care professionals that we train. retain is to improve the

retention of staff, and the third area is to reform, with the use of new types of roles, for example physician associates, nurse associates, apprenticeships, and making sure that every medical professional can practise at what is called the top of their licence. those types of things will unlock labour productivity slightly distinct to the productivity plan. and finally from me, the federated data platform. _ and finally from me, the federated data platform, should _ and finally from me, the federated data platform, should that - and finally from me, the federated data platform, should that be - data platform, should that be extended _ data platform, should that be extended across _ data platform, should that be extended across a _ data platform, should that be extended across a primary . data platform, should that be. extended across a primary care because — extended across a primary care because achieving _ extended across a primary care because achieving that - extended across a primary care - because achieving that productivity needs— because achieving that productivity needs to _ because achieving that productivity needs to make _ because achieving that productivity needs to make sure _ because achieving that productivity needs to make sure that _ because achieving that productivityl needs to make sure that pharmacy, general— needs to make sure that pharmacy, general practice, _ needs to make sure that pharmacy, general practice, secondary- needs to make sure that pharmacy, general practice, secondary care, . general practice, secondary care, all connects — general practice, secondary care, all connects up. _ general practice, secondary care, all connects up, and _ general practice, secondary care, all connects up, and the - general practice, secondary care, all connects up, and the it- all connects up, and the it platforms _ all connects up, and the it platforms that— all connects up, and the it platforms that connect - all connects up, and the it. platforms that connect them all connects up, and the it- platforms that connect them up is critical— platforms that connect them up is critical to— platforms that connect them up is critical to achieving _ platforms that connect them up is critical to achieving that _ critical to achieving that productivity _ critical to achieving that productivity so - critical to achieving that productivity so should l critical to achieving that l productivity so should the critical to achieving that - productivity so should the ftp be extended — productivity so should the ftp be extended to _ productivity so should the ftp be extended to primary _ productivity so should the ftp be extended to primary care? - productivity so should the ftp be extended to primary care? it- productivity so should the ftp be extended to primary care? it would not be right — extended to primary care? it would not be right to _ extended to primary care? it would not be right to comment _ extended to primary care? it would not be right to comment on - not be right to comment on individual suppliers, not be right to comment on individualsuppliers, ftp not be right to comment on individual suppliers, ftp is a relative supplier but in general yes, we should be rolling out a

productivity enhancing tenant ology across the nhs and both secondary and primary care. we have seen in secondary care very strong benefits from using ftp. i think the chelsea and westminster is was one of the first trust that had used it, and that was published by the nhs, the improvement in productivity from the use, which is why it has, i believe, been authorised to be rolled out more broadly. in primary camera, what we are doing currently is investing in digital telephony to eliminate the engaged tone that people often get at 8am on a monday, and over time improving the software of how to handle calls, which again will improve the patient experience. but whether there are further opportunities to use technology to improve both patient care and the nature of the work that people are involved in primary care, of course we should be doing that. the 3.11

billion is seeing a large amount to go on improving technology to the benefit of staff and patients. i’m benefit of staff and patients. i'm irateful, benefit of staff and patients. i'm grateful, thank you. good afternoon, prime _ grateful, thank you. good afternoon, prime minister. since you were a local— prime minister. since you were a local government minister, things have got— local government minister, things have got worse for councils, haven't they, _ have got worse for councils, haven't they, in _ have got worse for councils, haven't they, in terms of their finances? in they, in terms of their finances? in the last— they, in terms of their finances? in the last eight years, sorry, six years. — the last eight years, sorry, six years, eight councils have effectively declared bankruptcy. in the previous 16 years, none had. 50 what _ the previous 16 years, none had. 50 what is _ the previous 16 years, none had. 50 what is the — the previous 16 years, none had. 50 what is the fundamental problem, and before _ what is the fundamental problem, and before we _ what is the fundamental problem, and before we say all councils have made mistakes, _ before we say all councils have made mistakes, some have but as has been agreed, _ mistakes, some have but as has been agreed, conservative leader said to the select— agreed, conservative leader said to the select committee recently that one of— the select committee recently that one of the — the select committee recently that one of the problems have been specific— one of the problems have been specific to some councils but is now a more _ specific to some councils but is now a more general problem, and in a few years— a more general problem, and in a few years over— a more general problem, and in a few years over half of councils will be in financial— years over half of councils will be in financial distress. |

years over half of councils will be in financial distress.— in financial distress. i think the first thini in financial distress. i think the first thing to — in financial distress. i think the first thing to say _ in financial distress. i think the first thing to say is _ in financial distress. i think the first thing to say is councils - in financial distress. i think the j first thing to say is councils are the backbone of their community and they carry out a tremendous work every day, delivering important services to the people they serve. i got to experience that as local govern to minister, also being scrutinised by you at the time, and we discussed them, recognising that they face challenges. and that is why particular over this parliament, significantly more funding has gone into local government, and most recently £600 million boost in the most recent local govern finance settlement, which has meant that councils on average will have around 7.5% more spending power this forthcoming year than they did last year, and that settlement i think was warmly welcomed by local government association and county councils network, and indeed... but in context. — councils network, and indeed... but in context. a — councils network, and indeed... but in context, a 30% cut in spending power— in context, a 30% cut in spending power in — in context, a 30% cut in spending power in the _ in context, a 30% cut in spending power in the last _ in context, a 30% cut in spending power in the last 14 _ in context, a 30% cut in spending power in the last 14 years, - in context, a 30% cut in spending power in the last 14 years, and i power in the last 14 years, and again— power in the last 14 years, and again as — power in the last 14 years, and again as the _ power in the last 14 years, and again as the conservative - power in the last 14 years, and i again as the conservative leader

said to _ again as the conservative leader said to us, — again as the conservative leader said to us, quoting _ again as the conservative leader said to us, quoting the - again as the conservative leader said to us, quoting the figures l again as the conservative leader. said to us, quoting the figures that he is _ said to us, quoting the figures that he is experiencing, _ said to us, quoting the figures that he is experiencing, when— said to us, quoting the figures that he is experiencing, when you - said to us, quoting the figures that he is experiencing, when you have| he is experiencing, when you have iot he is experiencing, when you have got adult — he is experiencing, when you have got adult social— he is experiencing, when you have got adult social care _ he is experiencing, when you have got adult social care spending - he is experiencing, when you have. got adult social care spending going up got adult social care spending going up by— got adult social care spending going up by 90%, — got adult social care spending going up by 90%, children _ got adult social care spending going up by 90%, children with _ got adult social care spending going up by 90%, children with complex l up by 90%, children with complex needs— up by 90%, children with complex needs going — up by 90%, children with complex needs going up _ up by 90%, children with complex needs going up by— up by 90%, children with complex needs going up by 23%, _ up by 90%, children with complex needs going up by 23%, and - up by 90%, children with complex needs going up by 23%, and yourl needs going up by 23%, and your spending — needs going up by 23%, and your spending power— needs going up by 23%, and your spending power going _ needs going up by 23%, and your spending power going up- needs going up by 23%, and your spending power going up by- needs going up by 23%, and your. spending power going up by 3—5%, it does not _ spending power going up by 3—5%, it does not take — spending power going up by 3—5%, it does not take a _ spending power going up by 3—5%, it does not take a maths _ spending power going up by 3—5%, it does not take a maths genius- spending power going up by 3—5%, it does not take a maths genius to - spending power going up by 3—5%, itl does not take a maths genius to work out that— does not take a maths genius to work out that there — does not take a maths genius to work out that there is _ does not take a maths genius to work out that there is going _ does not take a maths genius to work out that there is going to _ does not take a maths genius to work out that there is going to be - does not take a maths genius to work out that there is going to be a - does not take a maths genius to work out that there is going to be a gap - out that there is going to be a gap at some _ out that there is going to be a gap at some stage. _ out that there is going to be a gap at some stage, and _ out that there is going to be a gap at some stage, and that— out that there is going to be a gap at some stage, and that gap- at some stage, and that gap according _ at some stage, and that gap according to _ at some stage, and that gap according to them _ at some stage, and that gap according to them is - at some stage, and that gap according to them is around | at some stage, and that gap. according to them is around £4 million. — according to them is around £4 million. even— according to them is around £4 million, even after— according to them is around £4 million, even after the - according to them is around £4 million, even after the extra i according to them is around £4 - million, even after the extra money in the _ million, even after the extra money in the budget — million, even after the extra money in the budget. that _ million, even after the extra money in the budget. that is— million, even after the extra money in the budget. that is a _ million, even after the extra money in the budget. that is a crisis, - in the budget. that is a crisis, isn't _ in the budget. that is a crisis, isn't it. — in the budget. that is a crisis, isn't it, where _ in the budget. that is a crisis, isn't it, where you _ in the budget. that is a crisis, isn't it, where you are - in the budget. that is a crisis, isn't it, where you are seeingl isn't it, where you are seeing social— isn't it, where you are seeing social care _ isn't it, where you are seeing social care going _ isn't it, where you are seeing social care going up, - isn't it, where you are seeing i social care going up, children's care _ social care going up, children's care going _ social care going up, children's care going up _ social care going up, children's care going up in _ social care going up, children's care going up in particular, - social care going up, children's . care going up in particular, special educational— care going up in particular, special educational needs— care going up in particular, special educational needs going _ care going up in particular, special educational needs going up, - care going up in particular, special educational needs going up, and l educational needs going up, and other— educational needs going up, and other services— educational needs going up, and other services being _ educational needs going up, and other services being decimated i educational needs going up, and | other services being decimated in parts _ other services being decimated in parts of— other services being decimated in parts of the — other services being decimated in parts of the country. _ other services being decimated in parts of the country. i— other services being decimated in parts of the country.— parts of the country. i would not characterise _ parts of the country. i would not characterise it _ parts of the country. i would not characterise it that _ parts of the country. i would not characterise it that way. - parts of the country. i would not characterise it that way. of - parts of the country. i would not l characterise it that way. of course there are challenges, critically with inflation, which is why the overriding economic priority of the government was to bring inflation down because that will help local councils with their finances, too, as well as helping families up and down the country. and if you look at

what has happened from central government to local government over this parliament since 2019, the grant in cash terms has more than doubled. so that is the change. over this parliament, the amount of direct cash grants going from central to local government has doubled in cash terms from 2019... why is the local government association _ why is the local government association then— why is the local government association then saying - why is the local government association then saying thatl why is the local government - association then saying that 20% of councils _ association then saying that 20% of councils face — association then saying that 20% of councils face the _ association then saying that 20% of councils face the threat _ association then saying that 20% of councils face the threat of- councils face the threat of bankruptcy_ councils face the threat of bankruptcy in _ councils face the threat of bankruptcy in the - councils face the threat of bankruptcy in the next - councils face the threat of| bankruptcy in the next two councils face the threat of- bankruptcy in the next two years? councils face the threat of— bankruptcy in the next two years? of bankruptcy in the next two years? iii/it course bankruptcy in the next two years? course every council is going to be different and face challenges, but... central government has doubled the grant since 2019, since i was chief secretary. the grants going from central to local govern has doubled over this parliament. caught power has gone up over the last four or five years as well. of course there are always going to be challenges, but where government can step in to help alleviate some of that pressure, it has done, particularly with social care. that has been a major area of concern.

but these concerns are right across local government _ but these concerns are right across local government by _ but these concerns are right across local government by conservative i local government by conservative councils _ local government by conservative councils as — local government by conservative councils as well _ local government by conservative councils as well as _ local government by conservative councils as well as labour. - local government by conservative l councils as well as labour. looking forward _ councils as well as labour. looking forward to — councils as well as labour. looking forward to the _ councils as well as labour. looking forward to the next _ councils as well as labour. looking forward to the next parliament, i councils as well as labour. lookingl forward to the next parliament, the forecast _ forward to the next parliament, the forecast is — forward to the next parliament, the forecast is that _ forward to the next parliament, the forecast is that spending _ forward to the next parliament, the forecast is that spending plans - forward to the next parliament, the forecast is that spending plans and | forecast is that spending plans and levelling _ forecast is that spending plans and levelling up — forecast is that spending plans and levelling up is _ forecast is that spending plans and levelling up is not _ forecast is that spending plans and levelling up is not protected - forecast is that spending plans and levelling up is not protected as - forecast is that spending plans and levelling up is not protected as a l levelling up is not protected as a department. _ levelling up is not protected as a department, said _ levelling up is not protected as a department, said the _ levelling up is not protected as a department, said the forecast i levelling up is not protected as a department, said the forecast is| department, said the forecast is that no— department, said the forecast is that no growth _ department, said the forecast is that no growth will— department, said the forecast is that no growth will be _ department, said the forecast is that no growth will be in - department, said the forecast is i that no growth will be in spending whatsoever — that no growth will be in spending whatsoever. is _ that no growth will be in spending whatsoever. is it _ that no growth will be in spending whatsoever. is it really— that no growth will be in spendingl whatsoever. is it really sustainable that local _ whatsoever. is it really sustainable that local councils _ whatsoever. is it really sustainable that local councils could _ whatsoever. is it really sustainable that local councils could face - whatsoever. is it really sustainable that local councils could face no i that local councils could face no increase — that local councils could face no increase in _ that local councils could face no increase in support _ that local councils could face no increase in support from - that local councils could face no - increase in support from government at all— increase in support from government at all for— increase in support from government at all for four— increase in support from government at all for four years, _ increase in support from government at all for four years, and _ increase in support from government at all for four years, and not - increase in support from government at all for four years, and not make i at all for four years, and not make increased — at all for four years, and not make increased cuts _ at all for four years, and not make increased cuts to _ at all for four years, and not make increased cuts to their _ at all for four years, and not make increased cuts to their services - increased cuts to their services which — increased cuts to their services which already— increased cuts to their services which already are _ increased cuts to their services which already are at _ increased cuts to their services which already are at rock- increased cuts to their services i which already are at rock bottom, increased cuts to their services - which already are at rock bottom, or put council _ which already are at rock bottom, or put council tax — which already are at rock bottom, or put council tax up _ which already are at rock bottom, or put council tax up by _ which already are at rock bottom, or put council tax up by excessive - put council tax up by excessive amounts? _ put council tax up by excessive amounts? what _ put council tax up by excessive amounts? what is _ put council tax up by excessive amounts? what is going - put council tax up by excessive amounts? what is going to - put council tax up by excessive l amounts? what is going to give, prime _ amounts? what is going to give, prime minister? _ amounts? what is going to give, prime minister? i'm“— amounts? what is going to give, prime minister?— prime minister? i'm not going to write the next _ prime minister? i'm not going to write the next spending - prime minister? i'm not going to write the next spending review l prime minister? i'm not going to i write the next spending review here and now. it write the next spending review here and now. , ., , write the next spending review here and now-_ the i and now. it is in the forecast. the next spending _ and now. it is in the forecast. the next spending review— and now. it is in the forecast. the next spending review has - and now. it is in the forecast. the next spending review has not - and now. it is in the forecast. the| next spending review has not been done so people can forecast all they want but there are no numbers to comment on. what i can tell you, overall public spending is forecast to grow in real terms over the next

spending review period, in cash terms by something like 2.7% annually, and that has not been divided up between various departments, that is what spending reviews are for and necessarily governments will prioritise at that moment. but overall public spending is forecast to rise, notjust in cash terms, but in real terms over the next parliament and that is what the next parliament and that is what the plans that are in the current forecast by the obr contain for day—to—day spending. but forecast by the obr contain for day-to-day spending.- forecast by the obr contain for day-to-day spending. but in the forecast it _ day-to-day spending. but in the forecast it is _ day-to-day spending. but in the forecast it is not _ day-to-day spending. but in the forecast it is not a _ day-to-day spending. but in the forecast it is not a protected - forecast it is not a protected department— forecast it is not a protected department so— forecast it is not a protected department so it _ forecast it is not a protected department so it is - forecast it is not a protected department so it is forecastl forecast it is not a protected i department so it is forecast not forecast it is not a protected - department so it is forecast not to have _ department so it is forecast not to have any— department so it is forecast not to have any increase _ department so it is forecast not to have any increase in _ department so it is forecast not to have any increase in the _ department so it is forecast not to have any increase in the spending | department so it is forecast not to l have any increase in the spending in that department. _ have any increase in the spending in that department. gill— have any increase in the spending in that department. till i _ have any increase in the spending in that department.— that department. all i can say is the spending — that department. all i can say is the spending review— that department. all i can say is the spending review has - that department. all i can say is the spending review has not - that department. all i can say is. the spending review has not been done. the only number that exists is an overall spending envelope for the day—to—day government spending on public services and that is forecast to growjust over 2.5% in cash terms, i% in real terms, over the forecast period. how that is divvied

up forecast period. how that is divvied up between different departments is the work of the spending review. i always come here and we have these debates, it's completely reasonable for everyone to say in their individual areas they would like more money to be spent on their particular interest, and i'm sure we will hear that for many colleagues as the chair pointed out at the beginning, but it is incumbent on colleagues to explain which department they think that increase should come at the expense of, or indeed what taxes should be raised to pay for it. government is in the business of always having to prioritise, but the pain were —— framework we have set out as one where public spending continues to grow in real terms over the next parliament, the next spending review will divvy that up and once the competing priorities, and the track record over this parliament is for a substantial increase going into local government, particularly in the area of social care where the most pressure has been. education. you mention the area of social— education. you mention the area of social care — education. you mention the area of social care and _ education. you mention the area of social care and obviously _ education. you mention the area of social care and obviously there - education. you mention the area of social care and obviously there was| social care and obviously there was some _

social care and obviously there was some small— social care and obviously there was some small amount— social care and obviously there was some small amount of— social care and obviously there was some small amount of extra - social care and obviously there was. some small amount of extra funding in the _ some small amount of extra funding in the recent— some small amount of extra funding in the recent budget _ some small amount of extra funding in the recent budget for _ some small amount of extra funding in the recent budget for that - some small amount of extra funding in the recent budget for that area, l in the recent budget for that area, but many— in the recent budget for that area, but many local— in the recent budget for that area, but many local authorities - in the recent budget for that area, but many local authorities have i in the recent budget for that area, but many local authorities have a. but many local authorities have a deficit _ but many local authorities have a deficit in— but many local authorities have a deficit in their— but many local authorities have a deficit in their children's - but many local authorities have a deficit in their children's social i deficit in their children's social care _ deficit in their children's social care budget _ deficit in their children's social care budget and _ deficit in their children's social care budget and their- deficit in their children's social care budget and their home i deficit in their children's social care budget and their home toj deficit in their children's social - care budget and their home to school transport _ care budget and their home to school transport is— care budget and their home to school transport. is there _ care budget and their home to school transport. is there anything - care budget and their home to school transport. is there anything you - care budget and their home to school transport. is there anything you can i transport. is there anything you can do in _ transport. is there anything you can do in your— transport. is there anything you can do in your coordinating _ transport. is there anything you can do in your coordinating role - transport. is there anything you can do in your coordinating role across. do in your coordinating role across government— do in your coordinating role across government to _ do in your coordinating role across government to make _ do in your coordinating role across government to make sure - do in your coordinating role across government to make sure the - do in your coordinating role across - government to make sure the support to them _ government to make sure the support to them from — government to make sure the support to them from different _ government to make sure the support to them from different government i to them from different government departments — to them from different government departments is _ to them from different government departments is better— to them from different government departments is better coordinated, and can— departments is better coordinated, and can we — departments is better coordinated, and can we make _ departments is better coordinated, and can we make sure _ departments is better coordinated, and can we make sure that - departments is better coordinated, and can we make sure that we - departments is better coordinated, i and can we make sure that we invest in addressing — and can we make sure that we invest in addressing those _ and can we make sure that we invest in addressing those deficits, - and can we make sure that we invest in addressing those deficits, rather. in addressing those deficits, rather than in _ in addressing those deficits, rather than in programmes— in addressing those deficits, rather than in programmes to _ in addressing those deficits, rather than in programmes to run - in addressing those deficits, rather than in programmes to run them, i in addressing those deficits, rather. than in programmes to run them, like safety— than in programmes to run them, like safety valve _ than in programmes to run them, like safety valve and — than in programmes to run them, like safety valve and delivering _ than in programmes to run them, like safety valve and delivering better - safety valve and delivering better value _ safety valve and delivering better value guest — safety valve and delivering better value quest might _ safety valve and delivering better value quest might seem - safety valve and delivering better value quest might seem to - safety valve and delivering better value quest might seem to be - safety valve and delivering better - value quest might seem to be getting larger— value quest might seem to be getting larger and _ value quest might seem to be getting larger and larger— value quest might seem to be getting largerand larger over— value quest might seem to be getting larger and larger over the _ value quest might seem to be getting larger and larger over the year- larger and larger over the year aggregates _ larger and larger over the year aggregates without— larger and larger over the year aggregates without actually i larger and larger over the year- aggregates without actually removing those deficits — aggregates without actually removing those deficits. the— aggregates without actually removing those deficits.— those deficits. the first thing to sa is we those deficits. the first thing to say is we want _ those deficits. the first thing to say is we want all _ those deficits. the first thing to say is we want all children - those deficits. the first thing to say is we want all children and l say is we want all children and young people of school age to receive a great education, and regardless of their backgrounds and circumstances, we want that to be the case. that is why over the course of this parliament, the height needs budget has seen increases of around 60% since 2019, recognising some of the pressures we have seen and the growth in dhcp

plans in that period. the announcement today is part of an £2.5 billion capital programme to create more places and that is warmly received today. you are right about the crosscutting nature of it, which i'm sure we will talk about in the final section little mac —— in the final section little mac —— in the final section little mac —— in the final session. it isn't always easy to get right, coordinating closely with dfe colleagues when it came to children's social care, i have seen this first—hand. we need to make sure that those ministers are joined to make sure that those ministers arejoined up, that when it comes to make sure that those ministers are joined up, that when it comes to spending reviews, and i have seen this as a local government minister, chief secretary, chancellor, and now as prime minister, that we make sure that at the moment of the spending review, the relevant departments on areas that have crosscutting equities are properly coordinated so that things do not fall between the gaps, and the last thing i would pick up on is we are investing, and

i appreciate the safety valve schemes are for the immediate relief and they can help, but we are investing £70 million in the change programme which launched autumn last year, which has nine different partnerships covering 30 different local areas. partnerships covering 30 different localareas. i partnerships covering 30 different local areas. i do think it is important that we test those interventions at that level before rolling them out on a systemwide basis. people might have debates about the pace, but given the importance of getting the reforms right to alleviate the longer term pressure, it is right that we trial those versed in those areas. i recognise the importance of testing, particularly — recognise the importance of testing, particularly in — recognise the importance of testing, particularly in kinship _ recognise the importance of testing, particularly in kinship care _ recognise the importance of testing, particularly in kinship care and - particularly in kinship care and placements, _ particularly in kinship care and placements, marriage - particularly in kinship care and placements, marriage and - particularly in kinship care and . placements, marriage and areas needed — placements, marriage and areas needed to— placements, marriage and areas needed to support _ placements, marriage and areas needed to support people - placements, marriage and areas needed to support people who l placements, marriage and areas i needed to support people who are placements, marriage and areas - needed to support people who are in the system, — needed to support people who are in the system, so — needed to support people who are in the system, so to— needed to support people who are in the system, so to meet— needed to support people who are in the system, so to meet our- the system, so to meet our aspirations— the system, so to meet our aspirations of— the system, so to meet our aspirations of the _ the system, so to meet our aspirations of the right - the system, so to meet our. aspirations of the right support the system, so to meet our- aspirations of the right support at the right— aspirations of the right support at the right place _ aspirations of the right support at the right place at— aspirations of the right support at the right place at the _ aspirations of the right support at the right place at the right - aspirations of the right support at the right place at the right time, i the right place at the right time, we need — the right place at the right time, we need to— the right place at the right time, we need to make _ the right place at the right time, we need to make sure _ the right place at the right time, we need to make sure that - the right place at the right time, we need to make sure that the i we need to make sure that the support— we need to make sure that the support that _ we need to make sure that the support that is _ we need to make sure that the support that is there _ we need to make sure that the support that is there can - we need to make sure that the support that is there can be i we need to make sure that the - support that is there can be grown to address — support that is there can be grown to address the _ support that is there can be grown

to address the demand. _ support that is there can be grown to address the demand. if - support that is there can be grown to address the demand. if i - support that is there can be grown to address the demand. if i can. support that is there can be grown. to address the demand. if i canjust change _ to address the demand. if i canjust change the — to address the demand. if i canjust change the subject _ to address the demand. if i canjust change the subject to _ to address the demand. if i canjust change the subject to financial- change the subject to financial education. _ change the subject to financial education, you _ change the subject to financial education, you have _ change the subject to financial. education, you have championed change the subject to financial- education, you have championed maths skills and _ education, you have championed maths skills and numeracy. _ education, you have championed maths skills and numeracy. we _ education, you have championed maths skills and numeracy. we have _ skills and numeracy. we have received _ skills and numeracy. we have received a _ skills and numeracy. we have received a lot _ skills and numeracy. we have received a lot of— skills and numeracy. we have received a lot of support - skills and numeracy. we havej received a lot of support from skills and numeracy. we have - received a lot of support from our inguiry— received a lot of support from our im1uiryinto— received a lot of support from our inquiry into financial— received a lot of support from our inquiry into financial education, . received a lot of support from our| inquiry into financial education, so how do— inquiry into financial education, so how do you — inquiry into financial education, so how do you strike _ inquiry into financial education, so how do you strike the _ inquiry into financial education, so how do you strike the right - inquiry into financial education, sol how do you strike the right balance between _ how do you strike the right balance between taking _ how do you strike the right balance between taking the _ how do you strike the right balance between taking the opportunity- how do you strike the right balance between taking the opportunity ofl between taking the opportunity of maths _ between taking the opportunity of maths to — between taking the opportunity of maths to 18, _ between taking the opportunity of maths to 18, and _ between taking the opportunity of maths to 18, and for— between taking the opportunity of maths to 18, and for as _ between taking the opportunity of maths to 18, and for as many- between taking the opportunity of. maths to 18, and for as many pupils as possible. — maths to 18, and for as many pupils as possible, including _ maths to 18, and for as many pupils as possible, including those - maths to 18, and for as many pupils as possible, including those who . maths to 18, and for as many pupils. as possible, including those who may not be _ as possible, including those who may not be terribly — as possible, including those who may not be terribly good _ as possible, including those who may not be terribly good at _ as possible, including those who may not be terribly good at complex - not be terribly good at complex mathematics, _ not be terribly good at complex mathematics, and _ not be terribly good at complex mathematics, and making - not be terribly good at complex mathematics, and making sure| not be terribly good at complex - mathematics, and making sure that they are _ mathematics, and making sure that they are equipped _ mathematics, and making sure that they are equipped with _ mathematics, and making sure that they are equipped with the - mathematics, and making sure that they are equipped with the financial education _ they are equipped with the financial education they— they are equipped with the financial education they need _ they are equipped with the financial education they need to _ they are equipped with the financial education they need to thrive - they are equipped with the financial education they need to thrive in - they are equipped with the financial education they need to thrive in the modern _ education they need to thrive in the modern word — education they need to thrive in the modern word that _ education they need to thrive in the modern word that the _ education they need to thrive in the modern word that the macro - education they need to thrive in the modern word that the macro —— - education they need to thrive in the - modern word that the macro —— world? it a subject— modern word that the macro —— world? it a subject dear— modern word that the macro —— world? it a subject dear to _ modern word that the macro —— world? it a subject dear to my— modern word that the macro —— world? it a subject dear to my heart, _ modern word that the macro —— world? it a subject dear to my heart, and - modern word that the macro —— world? it a subject dear to my heart, and i- it a subject dear to my heart, and i don't think those two things are actually in opposition, and part of broadening mass education is to make sure that everyone has a good understanding of maths because we know from all the evidence, all the research, that it is hugely important for future earnings potential, employment potential, ability to participate in many aspects of everyday life, and sadly we have not done a good enoughjob at it in the past. one in four

children leave formal education without basic numeracy, and we have some of the highest levels of adult in numeracy in the western world. the reforms we have announced will help, particularforthe the reforms we have announced will help, particularfor the most disadvantaged. one because over time there will be more teaching time in there will be more teaching time in the classroom compared to our peers we don't have enough and that will disproportionately benefit disadvantaged children. secondly, we have created a £30,000 bonus for teachers that are going to teach stem professions over the first five years of their career, including maths, but for the first ever time that will apply for people teaching in further education colleges, not just schools. that's a change i was keen to make to broaden the benefit of that intervention. lastly, the same announcement we announced new funding, hundreds of millions of pounds, to help students successfully reset maths and english gcse, and again that disproportionately benefit those disadvantaged students. so i think

those interventions could disproportionally help disadvantaged students. mask debating is not about everyone doing maths a level or further maths, it is people having a decent degree of familiarity with maths. he decent degree of familiarity with maths. ., ,., .., decent degree of familiarity with maths. ., ,., . ., ., maths. he also commended and welcomed _ maths. he also commended and welcomed the _ maths. he also commended and welcomed the move _ maths. he also commended and welcomed the move by - maths. he also commended and welcomed the move by the - maths. he also commended and - welcomed the move by the department to strengthen _ welcomed the move by the department to strengthen the — welcomed the move by the department to strengthen the ban _ welcomed the move by the department to strengthen the ban on _ welcomed the move by the department to strengthen the ban on mobile - to strengthen the ban on mobile phones — to strengthen the ban on mobile phones in — to strengthen the ban on mobile phones in classrooms _ to strengthen the ban on mobile phones in classrooms and - to strengthen the ban on mobile phones in classrooms and we . to strengthen the ban on mobile i phones in classrooms and we have heard _ phones in classrooms and we have heard a _ phones in classrooms and we have heard a lot — phones in classrooms and we have heard a lot of _ phones in classrooms and we have heard a lot of evidence _ phones in classrooms and we have heard a lot of evidence about - phones in classrooms and we have heard a lot of evidence about the i heard a lot of evidence about the broader— heard a lot of evidence about the broader risks— heard a lot of evidence about the broader risks to _ heard a lot of evidence about the broader risks to children - heard a lot of evidence about the broader risks to children from - heard a lot of evidence about the | broader risks to children from too much _ broader risks to children from too much exposure _ broader risks to children from too much exposure to _ broader risks to children from too much exposure to screen - broader risks to children from too much exposure to screen time . broader risks to children from tooj much exposure to screen time for social— much exposure to screen time for social media _ much exposure to screen time for social media and _ much exposure to screen time for social media and the _ much exposure to screen time for social media and the mental- much exposure to screen time for. social media and the mental health pressures— social media and the mental health pressures they _ social media and the mental health pressures they are _ social media and the mental health pressures they are facing _ social media and the mental health pressures they are facing as - social media and the mental health pressures they are facing as a - pressures they are facing as a result — pressures they are facing as a result. beyond _ pressures they are facing as a result. beyond the _ pressures they are facing as a result. beyond the online - pressures they are facing as a . result. beyond the online safety act, result. beyond the online safety act. do — result. beyond the online safety act. do you _ result. beyond the online safety act, do you think _ result. beyond the online safety act, do you think there - result. beyond the online safety act, do you think there is - result. beyond the online safety act, do you think there is morel result. beyond the online safety. act, do you think there is more we can do— act, do you think there is more we can do to — act, do you think there is more we can do to protect _ act, do you think there is more we can do to protect children - act, do you think there is more we can do to protect children in - act, do you think there is more we can do to protect children in this i can do to protect children in this space. _ can do to protect children in this space. and — can do to protect children in this space. and do— can do to protect children in this space, and do you _ can do to protect children in this space, and do you think- can do to protect children in this space, and do you think we - can do to protect children in this. space, and do you think we ought can do to protect children in this - space, and do you think we ought to be doing _ space, and do you think we ought to be doing more — space, and do you think we ought to be doing more to _ space, and do you think we ought to be doing more to support— space, and do you think we ought to be doing more to support the - space, and do you think we ought toi be doing more to support the parents in knowing _ be doing more to support the parents in knowing how— be doing more to support the parents in knowing how to _ be doing more to support the parents in knowing how to protect— be doing more to support the parents in knowing how to protect children? i in knowing how to protect children? as a parent— in knowing how to protect children? as a parent of— in knowing how to protect children? as a parent of two _ in knowing how to protect children? as a parent of two girls _ in knowing how to protect children? as a parent of two girls at _ in knowing how to protect children? as a parent of two girls at mobile i as a parent of two girls at mobile phone age, or thereabouts, as a parent of two girls at mobile phone age, orthereabouts, it's something i think about a lot. i have been struck by how many teachers and parents speak to me when i am around the country about the particular issue of schools, and i'm glad new guidance has been

warmly welcomed by lots of different people because it really will help schools navigate that, and make sure the default is for children not to be able to have access to their phones during the school day. the online safety act, before the kind of move beyond it, it's important that we do implement it. it is world leading legislation, this stuff is not easy and what we need now is a regulator to get on and implement all the things in there because it will make a significant difference to protecting children from harmful or inappropriate content and activity online, whether that is bullying, pornography, promotion of self—harm, it took a lot of time collectively across the house and getting that legislation right and implementing it now ought to be the priority. alongside that, of course i am thinking more broadly about this question. i think schools were the most immediate area to focus on, the most immediate area to focus on, the online safety act is important but more broadly this is something i think about first and foremost as a parent, and people have made

suggestions. i recently had the pleasure of speaking to molly russell �*s father and brianna ghey �*s mother and reflecting on this with them. 's mother and reflecting on this with them-— 's mother and reflecting on this with them. . ., ., . , with them. the chair of the welsh affairs committee. _ with them. the chair of the welsh affairs committee. my _ with them. the chair of the welsh affairs committee. my committee| with them. the chair of the welsh - affairs committee. my committee has recently met — affairs committee. my committee has recently met with _ affairs committee. my committee has recently met with some _ affairs committee. my committee has recently met with some of— affairs committee. my committee has recently met with some of the - recently met with some of the 600.000 _ recently met with some of the 600,000 under— recently met with some of the 600,000 under 35—year—olds| recently met with some of the - 600,000 under 35—year—olds who are currently— 600,000 under 35—year—olds who are currently inactive _ 600,000 under 35—year—olds who are currently inactive due _ 600,000 under 35—year—olds who are currently inactive due to _ 600,000 under 35—year—olds who are currently inactive due to long—term i currently inactive due to long—term sickness. _ currently inactive due to long—term sickness, often _ currently inactive due to long—term sickness, often with _ currently inactive due to long—term sickness, often with mental- currently inactive due to long—term sickness, often with mental health| sickness, often with mental health needs. _ sickness, often with mental health needs. despite— sickness, often with mental health needs, despite them _ sickness, often with mental health needs, despite them telling - sickness, often with mental health needs, despite them telling us- sickness, often with mental health| needs, despite them telling us very articulately— needs, despite them telling us very articulately how— needs, despite them telling us very articulately how they _ needs, despite them telling us very articulately how they want - needs, despite them telling us very articulately how they want to - needs, despite them telling us very articulately how they want to work. articulately how they want to work but none — articulately how they want to work but none are — articulately how they want to work but none are receiving _ articulately how they want to work but none are receiving medical- but none are receiving medical interventions _ but none are receiving medical interventions to— but none are receiving medical interventions to help - but none are receiving medical interventions to help them - but none are receiving medical interventions to help them get better~ — interventions to help them get better~ they— interventions to help them get better. they are _ interventions to help them get better. they are not _ interventions to help them get better. they are not subject i interventions to help them get better. they are not subject to interventions to help them get - better. they are not subject to any employment — better. they are not subject to any employment intervention- better. they are not subject to any employment intervention and - better. they are not subject to anyi employment intervention and there better. they are not subject to any i employment intervention and there is no real— employment intervention and there is no real requirement _ employment intervention and there is no real requirement that _ employment intervention and there is no real requirement that they - employment intervention and there is no real requirement that they shouldl no real requirement that they should ever work— no real requirement that they should ever work again _ no real requirement that they should ever work again. do _ no real requirement that they should ever work again. do you _ no real requirement that they should ever work again. do you agree, - no real requirement that they shouldl ever work again. do you agree, prime minister. _ ever work again. do you agree, prime minister. that's— ever work again. do you agree, prime minister, that's an _ ever work again. do you agree, prime minister, that's an appalling - minister, that's an appalling indictment _ minister, that's an appalling indictment both— minister, that's an appalling indictment both of- minister, that's an appalling indictment both of our- minister, that's an appallingl indictment both of our health minister, that's an appalling - indictment both of our health and welfare _ indictment both of our health and welfare systems? _ indictment both of our health and welfare systems? it’s _ indictment both of our health and welfare systems?— indictment both of our health and welfare systems? it's a tragedy for those people _

welfare systems? it's a tragedy for those people because _ welfare systems? it's a tragedy for those people because work, - welfare systems? it's a tragedy for those people because work, i - those people because work, i believe, can actually provide an enormous amount of purpose and fulfilment in peoples lives, and everyone who can work, i believe it should work. notjust because that's fair to everyone else and helps financial sustainability and gives them financial security, but actually because it can bring that purpose and dignity to peoples lives. so where we can provide support to people into work, we should. you are right to highlight it, and that has been one of the unfortunate consequences of the pandemic, the rise in economic inactivity, but icky for those who are long—term sick, and concentrated at the older end but also as you have rightly highlighted, at the younger end —— particularly for those. billions of pounds have been announced, a combination of the chancellor and the work and pensions secretary back to work plan, talking therapies, universalsupport. i therapies, universal support. i could therapies, universalsupport. i could go into more detail, but we need to make progress on it because

we do want everyone who wants to work to get into work.— work to get into work. would you a i ree work to get into work. would you agree that _ work to get into work. would you agree that the — work to get into work. would you agree that the trajectory - work to get into work. would you agree that the trajectory of - agree that the trajectory of spending. _ agree that the trajectory of spending, particularly- agree that the trajectory of spending, particularly on i agree that the trajectory of - spending, particularly on younger people _ spending, particularly on younger people of— spending, particularly on younger people of working _ spending, particularly on younger people of working a _ spending, particularly on younger people of working a dude - spending, particularly on younger people of working a dude to - spending, particularly on younger. people of working a dude to sickness is unsustainable? _ people of working a dude to sickness is unsustainable? yes, _ people of working a dude to sickness is unsustainable?— is unsustainable? yes, it is important _ is unsustainable? yes, it is important that _ is unsustainable? yes, it is important that we - is unsustainable? yes, it is important that we look - is unsustainable? yes, it is important that we look at i is unsustainable? yes, it is i important that we look at this is unsustainable? yes, it is - important that we look at this and i have spoken about it previously. we have spoken about it previously. we have a wca which you will be familiar with from your time, it is something we have not looked at in a decade, and over that period three times as many people have been signed off as unfit to work than they were a decade ago and i think most people intuitively think that the country is not three times a second and it was a decade ago, so thatis second and it was a decade ago, so that is suggestive of a system that is not working as intended. you rightly highlighted that a significant chunk of those people want to work, so that is why we are reforming this and giving people support for things like talking therapies for mental health, and we

are also making sure that the system is fair, in the sense of how we use something or the administrative earnings threshold, the expectation that we put on people that can work to work, and that's an important part of making sure the system is fair and ensuring long—term sustainability. is it your assumption that the triple lock should be in place for the entire period of the next parliament? ila the entire period of the next parliament?— the entire period of the next parliament? ., ., ., ~ ., parliament? no chandler talked about this at the weekend, _ parliament? no chandler talked about this at the weekend, i _ parliament? no chandler talked about this at the weekend, i don't _ parliament? no chandler talked about this at the weekend, i don't think - this at the weekend, i don't think there is anything further to add to what he said. —— the chancellor talked about this. that does not necessarily apply for the whole of the rest of the next parliament, what is your position on that? if thatis what is your position on that? if that is your position, do you genuinely think that is affordable? i do, because the track record of the government is that we make priorities, and making sure that if you have worked hard all your life

you have worked hard all your life you have worked hard all your life you have the