this is bbc news — the headlines: as the chancellor prepares to make his spring statement, new figures show the cost of living has risen by more than 6% — the fastest increase in over 30 years. rishi sunak is under pressure to promise more help for struggling families — as many face soaring energy, fuel and food costs. i used to love going to the beach but i can't even afford that in fuel now. because i have got a car to run as well. so we just do little things like this now. sometimes we'll even get a bus now, won't we, instead? i now, won't we, instead? am live at a laundry busir where i am live at a laundry business where the rise in fuel and energy costs is having an impact. and we are in darlington where market traders and shoppers are

hoping for some kind of statement to make the cost of living easier. join us later to find out why. in ukraine, new aerial images emerge of the battered city of mariupol. president zelensky says more than 100,000 civilians remain there — without food, water or medicine. two years on from the first coronavirus lockdown, events are held across the uk to remember lives lost and sacrifices made during the pandemic. and the women's world number one, australia's ash barty, says she's hanging up her tennis racket — at just 25—years—old. hello and welcome. good morning. the chancellor rishi sunak will unveil his spring statement in the commons later today, as the country faces increasing

pressure from rising energy, fuel and food costs. it comes as official figures, released this morning, show the cost of living continued to soar last month. prices rose by 6.2% in the 12 months to february — the fastest for 30 years. the figures lay bare the challenge the chancellor faces ahead of his spring spending statement. mr sunak faces growing calls to offer more support as household budgets are squeezed. so what new measures might he consider? there is speculation the chancellor could cut fuel duty by 5p per litre. there have been calls for him to delay a planned rise in national insurance payments — or scrap it altogether. but it's possible that he might instead raise the threshold at which people start paying. next month, the government will increase benefits, including universal credit by 3.1%, but dozens of charities want the chancellor to go further. 0ur consumer affairs correspondent, colletta smith, has this report. the chancellor has been rehearsing, but the audience that really matters are a long way from westminster.

he's under pressure to announce something to help shade us from the scorching cost of every bill at the moment. it's a gorgeous day, and everyone�*s making the most of the sunshine. this is my little boy, tiger. ah, hello. we're just trying to do more like this, like go out on days out like this. i used to love going to the beach, but i can't even afford that in fuel now. because i've got a car to run as well. so we just do little things like this now. sometimes we'll even get the bus, won't we, instead? stevie�*s rent went up by £200 last month, and she's already behind on the gas and electricity bills. we're just trying to get by. just try and keep upbeat about it, anyway. paul and charlotte have been feeling the bite of energy bills this winter, too. if the gas goes on, it, you know, it takes a while to kind of kick in. and perhaps back in the day when we were students, we would have just not put

the heating on, but we can't do that any more because we've got lois. so we've been to eureka this morning using our tesco vouchers. so it was free because of the tesco vouchers. but it's just like all of those things when you're planning, you're just trying to save costs wherever you can. morning. all right, you? costs are rising for mark at his coffee shop, but he doesn't want to put prices up because he knows how tough everyone�*s finding it. we do have to pay a wage, pay ourselves, pay your rent. it all has a huge impact. and to keep that quality experience going, people might have to pay that extra pound to enjoy it. but that's something stevie just can't afford. i don't think i'd be able to save a pound. so you're literally living, everything that comes in... month by month, yeah. just gets spent. straight out, yeah. 0k. yeah. and if you can't meet those bills, then where will you turn? i either don't pay them, and then it's debt, or... i don't want to have

to ask family, but...i do. today's spring statement isn't supposed to be a full budget, butjust tinkering around the edges isn't going to be enough to help stevie and millions like her. colletta smith, bbc news, at the peace hall in halifax. let's speak to our political correspondentjonathan blake. he is in downing street. hello, jonathan. the chancellor under pressure to do something. he certainl pressure to do something. he: certainly is, the pressure to do something. he certainly is, the question is, what is he going to do and whatever he does when it be enough to meet or match the expectations of those in his own party west of voters, some of who we had run just now, who are feeling the squeeze of rising prices and bills and his critics in the opposition, who want him to go further than he has already suggested he may. there are a couple of things which i think are more likely than most that we will see the chancellor announcing his spring

statement later in the house of commons when he gets to his feet after prime minister's questions. those are possibly a cut in fuel duty. that has been something which a lot of his own mps are keen to see and others would say would be a really kind of quick fix, if you like, to help people, help drivers struggling with prices at the pumps. 0thers criticising that as a move that would only help a narrow section of people but not go anything like fair enough. then there is the looming increase in national insurance payments which will come in in april. the chancellor and prime minister has signalled that will go ahead but will there be some tweaking around the edges? will there be a change in the edges? will there be a change in the threshold at which people start paying national insurance, protecting those on lower incomes from that increase for the time being? we will have to see. later on we will hear what the chancellor says. a busy morning in downing street, some comings and goings of cabinet ministers who have been a number 10 behind me,

cabinet ministers who have been a numberio behind me, around the table, doubtless getting a sneak preview of what the chancellor is going to say in his statement later on. we will have to wait for the full thing at 12:30 this afternoon. quite a lot of attention on their spring statement and we should so thatis spring statement and we should so that is not normally the case, is it? :, , , :, :, , it? no, this is not a budget. the s-urin it? no, this is not a budget. the spring statement _ it? no, this is not a budget. the spring statement is _ it? no, this is not a budget. the spring statement is not - it? no, this is not a budget. the i spring statement is not necessarily always a massive moment and a time for the chancellor to go into detail about new tax and spending plans but the circumstances of this year, not least coming after the coronavirus pandemic, but also with the war in that on the economy, it is turning into... and what will that

he believes himself to be a tax—cutting conservative. circumstances have dictated he has had to spend and borrow far more than he would have originally wanted to without being presented with the problem is that he has. will he use this statement to perhaps signal to his own mps and voters that he is keen to rein in the spending and perhaps cut taxes either now a bit further down the line, as much as he can? :, : , further down the line, as much as he can? :, m further down the line, as much as he can? . :, can? thanks. as you mentioned, cominus can? thanks. as you mentioned, comings and _ can? thanks. as you mentioned, comings and goings _ can? thanks. as you mentioned, comings and goings as _ can? thanks. as you mentioned, comings and goings as cabinet . comings and goings as cabinet meeting this morning. we are expecting the chancellor to leave within the next half an hour or so and make his way over to parliament and make his way over to parliament and we will hear from and make his way over to parliament and we will hearfrom him and make his way over to parliament and we will hear from him about half —— about 12:30pm. let's talk tojenny kumah, who is at a laundry business in axminster in devon.

what is happening there? this business is — what is happening there? ti 3 business is relatively new. they started up last may in the midst of the pandemic but they enjoyed a bumper peak season. their clients are mainly hotels, b&b, self catering businesses and due to the staycation boom last year because of the pandemic, travel restrictions, they had a really good start. so much so they invested more than £50,000 in new equipment, new machines, new dryers but now what they are seeing as they are being hit by the rising costs of fuel and energy. i am joined hit by the rising costs of fuel and energy. iam joined now hit by the rising costs of fuel and energy. i am joined now by the director and owner here. in terms of the increases, what kind of increases are using and what kind of impact is it having? a£111" increases are using and what kind of impact is it having?— impact is it having? our main expenditure _ impact is it having? our main expenditure is _ impact is it having? our main expenditure is electric - impact is it having? our main expenditure is electric for - impact is it having? our main expenditure is electric for our machinery and fuel for delivering on our vans _ machinery and fuel for delivering on our vans so — machinery and fuel for delivering on our vans. so we are being machinery and fuel for delivering on ourvans. so we are being hit machinery and fuel for delivering on

our vans. so we are being hit quite hard _ our vans. so we are being hit quite hard by, _ our vans. so we are being hit quite hard by, you — our vans. so we are being hit quite hard by, you know, such sharp increases _ hard by, you know, such sharp increases-— hard by, you know, such sharp increases. ~ ., :, , ., ., :, increases. what does that mean for our increases. what does that mean for your business? _ increases. what does that mean for your business? ultimately, - increases. what does that mean for your business? ultimately, a - your business? ultimately, a reduction _ your business? ultimately, a reduction in _ your business? ultimately, a reduction in profits. - your business? ultimately, a reduction in profits. being i your business? ultimately, a reduction in profits. being a| your business? ultimately, a - reduction in profits. being a new start-up — reduction in profits. being a new start—up business, we forecasted our figures _ start—up business, we forecasted our figures going forward but now we are looking _ figures going forward but now we are looking again and having to take into consideration an extra 30, possibly— into consideration an extra 30, possibly 40% in rise in electric costs — possibly 40% in rise in electric costs which is not ideal but we are where _ costs which is not ideal but we are where we — costs which is not ideal but we are where we are at. you costs which is not ideal but we are where we are at.— where we are at. you are also lookin: where we are at. you are also looking at _ where we are at. you are also looking at potential _ where we are at. you are also looking at potential ways - where we are at. you are also looking at potential ways of. where we are at. you are also - looking at potential ways of saving money, like looking at renewable energy? money, like looking at renewable ener: ? ~ y money, like looking at renewable ener: ? ~ , . money, like looking at renewable ener: , : , energy? absolutely, which is the way we would like — energy? absolutely, which is the way we would like to _ energy? absolutely, which is the way we would like to go _ energy? absolutely, which is the way we would like to go anyway _ energy? absolutely, which is the way we would like to go anyway to - energy? absolutely, which is the way we would like to go anyway to be - we would like to go anyway to be more _ we would like to go anyway to be more resourceful and environmentally friendlx _ more resourceful and environmentally friendly. but, again, that comes with the — friendly. but, again, that comes with the initial cost. everything, soler— with the initial cost. everything, solar panels, electric vehicles in the long — solar panels, electric vehicles in the long run it is obviously better for the _ the long run it is obviously better for the environment but it is the irritiel— for the environment but it is the initial cost — for the environment but it is the initial cost that we would have to take the — initial cost that we would have to take the hit on as we stand now. so take the hit on as we stand now. sc what take the hit on as we stand now. what would take the hit on as we stand now. sr what would you ideally like to hear from the chancellor this afternoon? well, a reduction in fuel tax would

obviously— well, a reduction in fuel tax would obviously help us. we knew that after _ obviously help us. we knew that after the — obviously help us. we knew that after the pandemic we would have to pay back_ after the pandemic we would have to pay back some way, so it hasn't come as a surprise — pay back some way, so it hasn't come as a surprise to any of us. but maybe — as a surprise to any of us. but maybe not— as a surprise to any of us. but maybe not quite as soon and quite a sharp— maybe not quite as soon and quite a sharp and _ maybe not quite as soon and quite a sharp and increase as we have seen. in sharp and increase as we have seen. in terms— sharp and increase as we have seen. in terms of— sharp and increase as we have seen. in terms of if— sharp and increase as we have seen. in terms of if the chancellor does have some giveaways that could potentially mean less spending for other services, where should the priority lie?— priority lie? with the working families who _ priority lie? with the working families who are _ priority lie? with the working families who are being - priority lie? with the working families who are being be - priority lie? with the working - families who are being be hardest hit. families who are being be hardest hit we _ families who are being be hardest hit we are — families who are being be hardest hit. we are seeing a lot of people using _ hit. we are seeing a lot of people using food — hit. we are seeing a lot of people using food banks already and it worries— using food banks already and it worries me that poverty will rise and young — worries me that poverty will rise and young children, how will it impact — and young children, how will it impact them? they are definitely the ones that— impact them? they are definitely the ones that struggle the most. that impact them? they are definitely the ones that struggle the most.- ones that struggle the most. that is ureat, ones that struggle the most. that is great. thank — ones that struggle the most. that is great. thank you _ ones that struggle the most. that is great, thank you for _ ones that struggle the most. that is great, thank you for speaking - ones that struggle the most. that is great, thank you for speaking to - ones that struggle the most. that is great, thank you for speaking to us. j great, thank you for speaking to us. one of your workers does your marketing is emma. you live locally, you have a family, tell me what kind of impact the rise in the cost of living is having on you? i of impact the rise in the cost of living is having on you?- of impact the rise in the cost of living is having on you? i would say

our family is _ living is having on you? i would say our family is noticing _ living is having on you? i would say our family is noticing a _ living is having on you? i would say our family is noticing a big - our family is noticing a big financial— our family is noticing a big financial strain with the cost and increase — financial strain with the cost and increase of— financial strain with the cost and increase of energy in the house. it has risen — increase of energy in the house. it has risen lry— increase of energy in the house. it has risen by at least 50% in comparison to nine months ago. also, i comparison to nine months ago. also, i have _ comparison to nine months ago. also, i have to _ comparison to nine months ago. also, i have to drive — comparison to nine months ago. also, i have to drive to work, so we are seeing _ i have to drive to work, so we are seeing an— i have to drive to work, so we are seeing an increase in the cost of us getting _ seeing an increase in the cost of us getting to — seeing an increase in the cost of us getting to work. and generally, the cost of— getting to work. and generally, the cost of everything, in terms of food and everything else and just living, realty _ and everything else and just living, realty so _ and everything else and just living, really. so we are definitely feeling the pressure. is really. so we are definitely feeling the pressure-— the pressure. is that affecting the kind of decisions _ the pressure. is that affecting the kind of decisions you _ the pressure. is that affecting the kind of decisions you are - the pressure. is that affecting the kind of decisions you are making l the pressure. is that affecting the i kind of decisions you are making as a family and what to spend on? i would say so. obviously i have to drive _ would say so. obviously i have to drive to _ would say so. obviously i have to drive to work so that isn't a cost i could _ drive to work so that isn't a cost i could save — drive to work so that isn't a cost i could save on. but i would say we have _ could save on. but i would say we have a _ could save on. but i would say we have a smart metre so we're keeping an eye _ have a smart metre so we're keeping an eye on _ have a smart metre so we're keeping an eye on where we are trying to save _ an eye on where we are trying to save energy and electric where we can. certainly, when we are going into the _ can. certainly, when we are going into the winter, we are trying to pay a _ into the winter, we are trying to pay a little _ into the winter, we are trying to pay a little bit extra into it so that — pay a little bit extra into it so that in — pay a little bit extra into it so that in the winter we can afford to heat the _ that in the winter we can afford to heat the house as i have a one—year—old son and i can't have it cold for— one—year—old son and i can't have it cold for him — one—year—old son and i can't have it cold for him. so one-year-old son and i can't have it cold for him-— cold for him. so what would help ou, cold for him. so what would help you. what _ cold for him. so what would help you, what would _ cold for him. so what would help you, what would you _ cold for him. so what would help you, what would you like - cold for him. so what would help you, what would you like to - cold for him. so what would help you, what would you like to hear| cold for him. so what would help l you, what would you like to hear in the chancellor's statement? if there is an hinu

the chancellor's statement? if there is anything they _ the chancellor's statement? if there is anything they can _ the chancellor's statement? if there is anything they can do _ the chancellor's statement? if there is anything they can do with - the chancellor's statement? if there is anything they can do with the - is anything they can do with the energy— is anything they can do with the energy prices and also cutting the fuel cost— energy prices and also cutting the fuel cost and i don't think they should — fuel cost and i don't think they should be _ fuel cost and i don't think they should be introducing any sort of nationat— should be introducing any sort of national insurance rises, because they are _ national insurance rises, because they are trying to give with one hand _ they are trying to give with one hand and — they are trying to give with one hand and potentially take with another — hand and potentially take with another. so anything they can do to help working families would be ideal — help working families would be ideal |— help working families would be ideal. , , : : help working families would be ideal. , , ., ., , , ideal. i guess, again, the issue, if there is a — ideal. i guess, again, the issue, if there is a delay _ ideal. i guess, again, the issue, if there is a delay in _ ideal. i guess, again, the issue, if there is a delay in that _ ideal. i guess, again, the issue, if there is a delay in that national. there is a delay in that national insurance increase, that potentially means less money for health and social care. where do you feel that they need to try and recoup some _ that they need to try and recoup some money for the health and social care lrut— some money for the health and social care but the _ some money for the health and social care but the highest earners, people earhihg _ care but the highest earners, people earning over £100,000 and things like that, — earning over £100,000 and things like that, it's the other working families— like that, it's the other working families that are getting penalised the most, ithink. families that are getting penalised the most, i think. that families that are getting penalised the most, i think.— the most, i think. that is great, thank you _ the most, i think. that is great, thank you for— the most, i think. that is great, thank you for talking _ the most, i think. that is great, thank you for talking to - the most, i think. that is great, thank you for talking to us -

the most, i think. that is great, l thank you for talking to us today. see inflation soaring and it is supply led inflation, not consumer led. , , : supply led inflation, not consumer led. , , ., ., :, supply led inflation, not consumer led. , ., :, , , led. give us an idea of some numbers to rive us led. give us an idea of some numbers to give us an — led. give us an idea of some numbers to give us an idea _ led. give us an idea of some numbers to give us an idea of— led. give us an idea of some numbers to give us an idea of the _ led. give us an idea of some numbers to give us an idea of the scale - led. give us an idea of some numbers to give us an idea of the scale of- to give us an idea of the scale of the sudden increase as you are having to deal with.— the sudden increase as you are having to deal with. since the start ofthe having to deal with. since the start of the pandemic, _ having to deal with. since the start of the pandemic, steel— having to deal with. since the start of the pandemic, steel prices - having to deal with. since the start of the pandemic, steel prices have| of the pandemic, steel prices have gone from around £450 per tonne to £1300 a tonne, that's a massive

increase in cost. the last of which was a £200 increase in raw material on friday last week. this affects all manufacturing in the uk. given that, sorry — all manufacturing in the uk. given that. sorry to _ all manufacturing in the uk. given that. sorry to jump _ all manufacturing in the uk. given that, sorry tojump in, _ all manufacturing in the uk. given that, sorry to jump in, those - all manufacturing in the uk. given that, sorry tojump in, those huge increases in cost, is there anything realistically be government can do to help? realistically be government can do to hel ? , :, .., realistically be government can do to hel? , :, .. :, to help? yes, the government can do uuite a bit to help? yes, the government can do quite a bit to — to help? yes, the government can do quite a bit to help. _ to help? yes, the government can do quite a bit to help. it— to help? yes, the government can do quite a bit to help. it is— to help? yes, the government can do quite a bit to help. it is really - quite a bit to help. it is really important to understand that small and medium—size businesses, we are a medium size business, they are the engine room behind the british economy and make up for most employment in the uk. listening to the voice of big business does not really reflect what needs to happen throughout the country. we need to see the national insurance increase axed completely. to increase tax at this moment in time would be a disaster. 0r16pa 0r16p a litre and a reduction in

the green levy until industry is ready, it isjust the green levy until industry is ready, it is just not ready yet. putting all these green taxes before the infrastructure is there, taking away the red diesel reduction for equipment for things like this and forcing that, that is a massive increase in cost. really, if the chancellor is serious about doing something to increase his tax take, he has to cut taxes to promote investment and deliver growth throughout smas.— throughout smas. their counterargument - throughout smas. their counterargument would throughout smas. their. counterargument would be throughout smas. their counterargument would be health and social care needs funding and it is borrowing or taxes. that social care needs funding and it is borrowing or taxes.— borrowing or taxes. that is absolutely _ borrowing or taxes. that is absolutely right _ borrowing or taxes. that is absolutely right and - borrowing or taxes. that is absolutely right and the i borrowing or taxes. that is l absolutely right and the best borrowing or taxes. that is i absolutely right and the best way borrowing or taxes. that is - absolutely right and the best way to increase your tax take is to encourage growing. we are going ahead with investments on multi—million pound manufacturing facility, it's been in the planning since 2016. what are we going to deliver? more higher paid jobs which increases the tax take, the return

on investment is considerable if you invest in smes there has to be some kind of understanding that the voice of biz businesses are well and good but it doesn't reflect the vast majority of employers, which are smes. it majority of employers, which are smes. , :, :, , majority of employers, which are smes. , . ., , ., smes. it is a really important distinction. _ smes. it is a really important distinction. thank— smes. it is a really important distinction. thank you - smes. it is a really important distinction. thank you very i smes. it is a really important i distinction. thank you very much smes. it is a really important - distinction. thank you very much for highlighting it, simon boyd, we appreciate you coming on. let's stay with the chancellor's spring statement and take a look at the figures as rishi sunak faces further pressure to tackle the cost of living in the spring statement today. after new figures revealed a bigger than expected jump in inflation. here is our economics correspondent andy verity. can you talk us through some of the numbers?— andy verity. can you talk us through some of the numbers? sure, the big sto is some of the numbers? sure, the big story is information _ some of the numbers? sure, the big story is information and _ some of the numbers? sure, the big story is information and if _ some of the numbers? sure, the big story is information and if you - some of the numbers? sure, the big story is information and if you look l story is information and if you look at the rate of inflation, we have a chart of that comparing it to how it has been over the last ten years. it's actually hitting its highest level for a decade. you can see there, 6.2%. but that is still not double figures. some people may be

viewing this thinking i remember in the 1970s and 1980s when inflation got into double digits. it's not there yet but this highest rate in 30 years is how low it has been for the last 30 years rather than anything else. but as we were hearing, there is lots of inflationary pressure coming through inflationary pressure coming through in raw material costs. for example, they are up 14.7% in the year to february. then let's look at what is happening to economic growth because of calls that really counts for the chancellor. economic growth is... it's on that it depends what tax he gets in, the more growth, the more vat and income tax. back in the financial crisis, that set there, and the dip in the pandemic was actually much larger. look at this great big bungeejumping. it comes back and now it is settling down again and is forecast to grow at less than 2% a year. that is not particularly strong growth. 0n the other hand, because of inflation, the chancellor is getting more money in, for example by freezing tax

thresholds. that means more people as they get paid more go on to those thresholds and pay higher tax and that is bringing him something like an to westminster because we can see the man you are talking about, rishi sunak has walked out of 11 downing street, justjumping in the car. holding in his hand the spring statement and making the short journey from downing street across to parliament. just to mark your card, they running or direct the day, he is heading over now to parliament, after a cabinet meeting this morning wrapped up. we saw

cabinet members leaving in the last half an hour or so. he is driving the shortjourney down there to the houses of parliament. we won't hear from him straightaway. at midday we will hear at prime minister's questions with the prime minister for half an hour or so and at 12:30 we will see rishi sunak standing up and delivering that spring statement. he will be answering some of the questions that we have all been posing this morning, to see what measures he will and won't take. we can cross to our political correspondentjonathan blake. so, he hasjust correspondentjonathan blake. so, he has just left? correspondentjonathan blake. so, he hasjust left? he correspondent jonathan blake. so, he hasjust left?— has 'ust left? he has. a brief pause to hasjust left? he has. a brief pause to ose hasjust left? he has. a brief pause to pose for— hasjust left? he has. a brief pause to pose for photographs _ hasjust left? he has. a brief pause to pose for photographs from i hasjust left? he has. a brief pause to pose for photographs from the l to pose for photographs from the chancellor rishi sunak. remember, this is not a budget, there was no moment with the red box and his team of ministers and advisers. a much more low key affair but there is nothing low key about the expectations on rishi sunak, as he delivers his spring statement to

parliament today. the question really well the measures he announces when he speaks to mps at 12:30 this afternoon meet the expectations of conservative backbenchers, voters, the labour party, businesses, trade unions and others, who are looking to him to do something to attempt to ease the pressure is on the economy, ease the financial strain so many financial households and individuals are feeling at the moment? in the trailed excerpts of the speech, which we saw him poring over the final details of in some photos released by the chancellor and his team last night, he is expected to focus on the theme of security, promising that for working families and with help with the cost of living but also the security, as he puts it, of more resilient public finances. that sounds like code for careful spending decisions. while the chancellor has had to borrow vast amounts and spend vast amounts

of taxpayers' money during the course of the pandemic and its aftermath, his hope and expectation is to row back as much as possible from that and get the economy onto a much more even and sustainable footing, with much lower levels of public spending and borrowing. but for the chancellor permits map critics there is not enough evidence of that so far for all he says about wanting to be a tax—cutting conservative. they would like his actions to match his words as soon as possible. what clues will be the about his political instincts in the statement this afternoon and what detail will we get about the measures that he is willing, at this moment, to take? hot measures that he is willing, at this moment, to take?— measures that he is willing, at this moment, to take? not on to wait for stopjonathan. _ moment, to take? not on to wait for stop jonathan, thank— moment, to take? not on to wait for stop jonathan, thank you _ moment, to take? not on to wait for stop jonathan, thank you for - moment, to take? not on to wait for stop jonathan, thank you for that. i stop jonathan, thank you for that. we can stopjonathan, thank you for that. we can go back stop jonathan, thank you for that. we can go back now to stopjonathan, thank you for that. we can go back now to our correspondent andy verity, we were talking to before the chancellor came out. i am very sorry for interrupting you. we were talking about vast amounts and vast amounts and you are digging through the

numbers, can you carry on? yes. and you are digging through the numbers, can you carry on? yes, we saw the borrowing _ numbers, can you carry on? yes, we saw the borrowing chart _ numbers, can you carry on? yes, we saw the borrowing chart before i numbers, can you carry on? yes, we saw the borrowing chart before and i saw the borrowing chart before and that was showing how borrowing has come down really rapidly, just because of the rapid economic growth we have had and to some extent down to the inflation. the more inflation takes off, the more the chancellor reaps in higher taxes. these are some of the things he might give back. the treasury says he announced £9.1 billion for a rebate on energy bills that will help most of the country's households with those very tough energy bills up to a point. you are talking about a few hundred pounds, not enough to cover the increase. also, there is national insurance. there is an issue with national insurance thresholds. those have only been rising by something like 3%. if they only go up 3%, that means a lot more people get dragged into the area where they pay those higher national insurance rate because their pay is rising faster than 3%. so what he could do is raise the threshold is a little faster and that would keep a lot of people away from the health and

social care levy he is planning to put up. let's look at one other measure he might do, a cut to fuel duty. petrol prices at the moment, about £1.65 a litre, that is a lot for any household to cope with when filling up their car. what rishi sunak may choose to do or not is take five or 6p of the level of duty. whether that makes much difference when you are paying £1.65 a litre, households will have to make up their mind.— a litre, households will have to make up their mind. thank you, andy. we will find — make up their mind. thank you, andy. we will find out _ make up their mind. thank you, andy. we will find out a _ make up their mind. thank you, andy. we will find out a lot _ make up their mind. thank you, andy. we will find out a lot more _ make up their mind. thank you, andy. we will find out a lot more in - make up their mind. thank you, andy. we will find out a lot more in about i we will find out a lot more in about two hours' time. to ukraine now. ukraine's president vlodimir zelensky says there is "nothing left" of the port city of mariupol as it remains under constant russian bombardment. in his nightly address he said 100,000 civilians remain there with no food, water or medicine. let's cross to lviv in the west of ukraine and ben brown is there. hello. hello. and age distribution

we have come _ hello. hello. and age distribution we have come to _ hello. hello. and age distribution we have come to here _ hello. hello. and age distribution we have come to here in - hello. hello. and age distribution we have come to here in western | we have come to here in western ukraine in lviv. this is where they are helping some of the refugees and internally displaced people who have fled from the fighting. 10 million people altogether in the war so far have led from ukraine for so many have led from ukraine for so many have left the country, many have gone to poland. about 3 million altogether have left ukraine but many are still in ukraine, in the safer western part of the country. in this distribution centre, they get supplies, clothes, medical supplies have been donated. the city has been left in ruins according to president zelensky, he says there is nothing left of it. let's get the latest developments on the battlefield from our correspondence.

the road out of mariupol is the road out of hell. it's a desperate journey, but car after car has run this gauntlet, fleeing a city where there's almost nothing left. and what can life possibly feel like for those still there? the russians have razed this place to the ground. thousands are still trapped, trying to survive in impossible circumstances. translation: as of today, - there are about 100,000 people in this city, in inhuman conditions, completely blockaded, without food, water, without medicines, subject to constant shelling, constant bombardment. for more than a week now, we've been trying to organise stable humanitarian corridors for mariupol residents, and almost all our attempts, unfortunately, are disrupted by the russian occupiers, by shelling or deliberate terror. as russian tanks continue to roll across ukrainian territory,

there are pockets of resistance. this is the town of voznesensk. the russians were determined to seize it. but this quiet farming community stood its ground, setting a trap for the invading soldiers, and then blowing up the town's bridge, sending the russians into retreat. explosion in places like this, the ukrainians are moving from defence to attack. we have seen indications that the ukrainians are going a bit more on the offense now, and they have been defending very smartly, very nimbly, very creatively, in places that they believe are the right places to defend. and we have seen them now in places, particularly in the south, near kherson, they have tried to regain territory. the ukrainians say that each day they fight, they buy themselves a better position

at the negotiating table. the diplomacy continues, but so too does the war of words. russia has refused to rule out using nuclear weapons. the pentagon called those remarks dangerous. and with further sanctions imminent, the ukrainians hope that, step—by—step, the russians will be urged towards peace. judith moritz, bbc news. the fighting so far has seen about a quarter of ukraine' entire population have now been forced to flee from their homes, either to savour parts of ukraine or out of the country altogether. the war has now been raging almost a month. tomorrow it will be one month since russia invaded and the people who come to aid distribution centres like this one in lviv have no idea, really, how much more months the war will wage war on how long it will be

before they can go back to their homes. : ~ before they can go back to their homes. :, ,, , :, before they can go back to their homes. : ~' , :, �* before they can go back to their homes. :, ,, i. �* �* :, now it's time for a look at the weather with carol. hello, again. it's going to be another sunny and warm day ahead with just gentle breezes. when we lose the remnants of this morning's fog from northeast england and the east midlands, there is a chance we could catch a shower. parts of eastern scotland, parts of eastern england and later the western isles. but they will be the exception rather than the rule. with temperatures 9—19 degrees, but quite possibly somewhere in east anglia or the south east hitting 21 degrees. now, through this evening and overnight under clear skies, patchy mist and fog will reform. we'll have more cloud coming in across northern ireland and western scotland with a few showers, and these are our overnight lows in towns and cities. in the countryside, they'll be a little bit lower, so there is a chance you could wake up to some frost. tomorrow when we lose the mist and fog, a lot of dry weather. some cloud in northern england and wales, but thicker cloud in western scotland and northern ireland, producing the odd shower

here and there, and temperatures ranging from nine in the north to about 18 degrees. the headlines on bbc news... as the chancellor prepares to make his spring statement — new figures show the cost of living has risen by more than 6%, the fastest increase in over 30 years. in ukraine, new aerial images emerge of the battered city of mariupol. president zelensky, says more than 100,000 civilians remain there — without food, water or medicine.

two years on from the first coronavirus lockdown, events are held across the uk to remember lives lost, and sacrifices made, during the pandemic. and the women's world number one — australia's ash barty — says she's hanging up her tennis racket at just 25—years—old. sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here's louisa. good morning. world number one ashleigh barty has announced she is retiring from professional tennis atjust 25. the australian made the announcement on her social media, saying she is leaving to "chase other dreams". after winning wimbledon last year, she has remained the top—ranked player and injanuary became the first home player to win the australian open singles title in 44 years. i'll be retiring from tennis, and it's the first time i've actually said it out loud. and, yeah, it's hard to say. but i'm so happy and i'm so ready,

and ijust know at the moment in my heart, for me as a person, this is right. and i know i have done this before but in a very different feeling, and i'm so grateful to everything that tennis has given me. the tennis world has been reacting to the shock announcement. fellow grand slam winnner simona halep wrote on twitter... "ash, what can i say, you know i have tears, right? "my friend, i will miss you on tour. you were different, and special, "and we shared some amazing moments. what's next for you? "grand slam champion in golf?! be happy and enjoy your life to the max. american madison keys said — an incredible tennis player but more importantly one of the nicest people on tour. congratulations on an amazing career and good luck with what's next!

britain's sir andy murray said — happy for ashleigh barty, gutted for tennis. what a player! earlier, former british number one annabel croft gave her thoughts on the australian's retirement. i think the whole of the tennis world were in complete shock. i mean, i didn't see this coming. i don't think anyone saw this coming but when you hear what she has to say about it and you hear that she really feels like she has nothing left to give, that by winning at the australian open, it was just like the final fantastic achievement that she wanted to achieve and she doesn't have anything left, it all makes perfect sense. manchester united have officially spoken to ajax coach erik ten hag about the possibility becoming their next manager. of becoming their next manager. bbc sport understand that the meeting took place on monday, as united begin to crystalise their thoughts around their future. interim manager ralf rangnick has been in charge since 0le gunnar solskjaer was sacked in november. psg boss mauricio pochettino is also on the short—list, with sevilla coachjulien lopetugi and spanish coach

luis enrique on it too. that's all the sport for now. i'll have more for you a bit later. thanks for that. let's get more now on our top story — the spring statement which the chancellor will deliver this afternoon. fiona trott is in darlington finding out what people want and need from rishi sunak today. good to see you, fiona. tell us where you are. we good to see you, fiona. tell us where you are.— good to see you, fiona. tell us where ou are. ~ . . :, where you are. we are at darlington indoor market. _ where you are. we are at darlington indoor market. places _ where you are. we are at darlington indoor market. places like _ where you are. we are at darlington indoor market. places like these i where you are. we are at darlingtonj indoor market. places like these are usually a place for smart shoppers wanting to save a bit of money but even traders themselves are feeling the squeeze. this fruit and veg stall, are you having to price back pass on those prices to customers? we are but we are keeping things low. we are but we are keeping things low there — we are but we are keeping things low. there will be increases. can't be helped — low. there will be increases. can't be helped by the oil increases and the fuel— be helped by the oil increases and the fuel prices. and the shipment of goods _ the fuel prices. and the shipment of noods. .. , ~ the fuel prices. and the shipment of noods. , . . ., the fuel prices. and the shipment of noods. , . :, the fuel prices. and the shipment of oods. , . : :, :, goods. exactly. we will chat to you later in the — goods. exactly. we will chat to you later in the programme. _ goods. exactly. we will chat to you later in the programme. let's i goods. exactly. we will chat to you |

later in the programme. let's speak to mum rachel, you are here with your one—year—old son, sebastien. i'm so sorry! grown—ups talking about the economy! . you are on universal credit. how do you make that money last, how do you budget? i put £80 away for my gas and electric — i put £80 away for my gas and electric i_ i put £80 away for my gas and electric. i put... is i put £80 away for my gas and electric. i put. . ._ i put £80 away for my gas and electric. i put... is that per week? yes. electric. i put... is that per week? yes- what — electric. i put... is that per week? yes- what did _ electric. i put... is that per week? yes. what did you _ electric. i put... is that per week? yes. what did you used _ electric. i put... is that per week? yes. what did you used to - electric. i put... is that per week? yes. what did you used to pay? i electric. i put... is that per week? i yes. what did you used to pay? £50 a month. yes. what did you used to pay? £50 a month- that — yes. what did you used to pay? £50 a month- that is — yes. what did you used to pay? £50 a month. that is a _ yes. what did you used to pay? £50 a month. that is a massive _ yes. what did you used to pay? £50 a month. that is a massive increase, i month. that is a massive increase, na - ies, month. that is a massive increase, nappies, sebastien, _ month. that is a massive increase, nappies, sebastien, food, - month. that is a massive increase, l nappies, sebastien, food, everything else, how do you cope? i nappies, sebastien, food, everything else, how do you cope?— else, how do you cope? i struggle, but luckily i — else, how do you cope? i struggle, but luckily i have _ else, how do you cope? i struggle, but luckily i have the _ else, how do you cope? i struggle, but luckily i have the family - else, how do you cope? i struggle, but luckily i have the family that i i but luckily i have the family that i do that— but luckily i have the family that i do that will go out and buy me nappies — do that will go out and buy me nappies. my mum makes meals, sol can put— nappies. my mum makes meals, sol can put them — nappies. my mum makes meals, sol can put them in the freezer sol know— can put them in the freezer sol know i— can put them in the freezer sol know i will— can put them in the freezer sol know i will never be left without any food — know i will never be left without an food. ~ ., . :, ., any food. when the chancellor talks about helping _ any food. when the chancellor talks about helping you — any food. when the chancellor talks about helping you in _ any food. when the chancellor talks about helping you in the _ any food. when the chancellor talks about helping you in the spring i any food. when the chancellor talks about helping you in the spring with j about helping you in the spring with the council tax rebate to pay for energy bills, in the autumn a rebate, too, with the energy companies, which we will have to pay back. does that make you feel better? it back. does that make you feel better? :, , ., :, , �* better? it does and it doesn't. it is auoin better? it does and it doesn't. it is going to _ better? it does and it doesn't. it

is going to be — better? it does and it doesn't. it is going to be a _ better? it does and it doesn't. it is going to be a good _ better? it does and it doesn't. it is going to be a good help. i better? it does and it doesn't. it is going to be a good help. but i better? it does and it doesn't. it i is going to be a good help. but the fact that _ is going to be a good help. but the fact that it's having to be paid back — fact that it's having to be paid back... people will struggle, especially in the winter, especially when _ especially in the winter, especially when they— especially in the winter, especially when they are having to pay other things. _ when they are having to pay other things, other bills as well as paying — things, other bills as well as paying that back. i don't think it's what _ paying that back. i don't think it's what people need. the chancellor toda also what people need. the chancellor today also is _ what people need. the chancellor today also is going _ what people need. the chancellor today also is going to _ what people need. the chancellor today also is going to be - what people need. the chancellor. today also is going to be explaining where he has to spend money. nhs, social care, maybe defence, following the, you know, war in ukraine. do you feel, here in darlington, are you willing to tighten your belt even more, grit your teeth and say, ok, we do have to spend money elsewhere. and where do you think that should go? i to spend money elsewhere. and where do you think that should go?— do you think that should go? i mean, i think the money _ do you think that should go? i mean, i think the money would _ do you think that should go? i mean, i think the money would be _ do you think that should go? i mean, i think the money would be great i i think the money would be great going _ i think the money would be great going to — i think the money would be great going to nurseries and schools and community— going to nurseries and schools and community centres, especially for the youth — community centres, especially for the youth. but i found out i was pregnant— the youth. but i found out i was pregnant in the first lockdown, so the nhs _ pregnant in the first lockdown, so the nhs did help me. to go towards the nhs did help me. to go towards the nhs _ the nhs did help me. to go towards the nhs i _ the nhs did help me. to go towards the nhs i think it's good, yeah. so the nhs i think it's good, yeah. sc you the nhs i think it's good, yeah. you would the nhs i think it's good, yeah. sr you would support this proposed increase in national insurance contributions?—

contributions? yes, yeah. interesting. _ contributions? yes, yeah. interesting. rachel, i contributions? yes, yeah. | interesting. rachel, thank contributions? yes, yeah. i interesting. rachel, thank you contributions? yes, yeah. - interesting. rachel, thank you for chatting _ interesting. rachel, thank you for chatting to— interesting. rachel, thank you for chatting to us, this morning. the chancellor's _ chatting to us, this morning. he chancellor's statement chatting to us, this morning. tie chancellor's statement do in a couple of hours' time. will he make a cut in fuel duty? that is something that might help traders here but not like mums like rachel who don't have a car. they are still thinking of other ways to make their money go further. tqm. thinking of other ways to make their money go further.— money go further. 0k, fiona, thank ou ve money go further. 0k, fiona, thank you very much _ money go further. 0k, fiona, thank you very much for — money go further. 0k, fiona, thank you very much for that. _ money go further. 0k, fiona, thank you very much for that. we - money go further. 0k, fiona, thank you very much for that. we will i money go further. 0k, fiona, thank you very much for that. we will get | you very much for that. we will get a bit more zoom out, a wider perspective from an economist. nina skero is chief executive at the independent consultancy the centre for economics and business research. an economist. thank you forjoining us. we have been hearing from fiona some of the real challenges being faced by lots of people up and down the country and one theme coming out, people having to rely on families for help and support at the moment. we are looking to the chancellor, obviously, to the government for what they can do. given the economic outlook at the moment, how much wiggle room do you think the chancellor actually has?

the chancellor is in quite a tricky position because, on one hand, there is definitely some fiscal headroom to play around with. because of inflation, tax receipts have been much higher than anticipated. he definitely does have some tools at his disposal but on the other hand, we also heard a very, very cautionary, i would say, tone from the chancellor, lately, pointing to the chancellor, lately, pointing to the fact that higher inflation also means higher debt servicing fees, which means that he needs to be more cautionary in terms of what is announced later today. i would expect some targeted measures, especially focusing on low income households to help them fight the rising cost of living. i wouldn't expect a particularly generous spring statement. expect a particularly generous s-urin statement. , :, spring statement. interesting. your centre for economic _ spring statement. interesting. your centre for economic business - centre for economic business research talking about the biggest fall in living standards of nearly 70 years!

fall in living standards of nearly 70 ears! , , , ., , fall in living standards of nearly 70 ears! , ,, ,, 70 years! yes, despite faster rises in wa . es, 70 years! yes, despite faster rises in wages. they _ 70 years! yes, despite faster rises in wages, they are _ 70 years! yes, despite faster rises in wages, they are still _ 70 years! yes, despite faster rises in wages, they are still not - 70 years! yes, despite faster rises | in wages, they are still not keeping up in wages, they are still not keeping up with the rising costs of essentials. actually, we were already forecasting a pretty... pretty dire picture even before the russia — ukraine war erupted, which is going to but further pressure on prices on high energy costs, higher metal costs, which feed in through all sorts of consumer products and higherfood costs, as well. it will be quite a tricky year for a number of households. l be quite a tricky year for a number of households.— of households. i know there's lots of households. i know there's lots of 'okes of households. i know there's lots of jokes about _ of households. i know there's lots ofjokes about our— of households. i know there's lots ofjokes about our great _ of households. i know there's lots l of jokes about our great economists ofjokes about our great economists for forecasts, ofjokes about our great economists forforecasts, but how ofjokes about our great economists for forecasts, but how long ofjokes about our great economists forforecasts, but how long do ofjokes about our great economists for forecasts, but how long do you think this is going to go on? is thisjust a very think this is going to go on? is this just a very temporary explosion in inflation that will die back down or what do you see this lasting into this year, next year? we or what do you see this lasting into this year, next year?— or what do you see this lasting into this year, next year? we are already at a oint this year, next year? we are already at a point where _ this year, next year? we are already at a point where this _ this year, next year? we are already at a point where this has _ this year, next year? we are already at a point where this has lasted i at a point where this has lasted long enough that we can't say this is a transient spike in inflation.

that sort of thinking is why the bank of england is probably a bit behind where it needs to be in terms of managing price rises. we are expecting prices to fall back after the spring for several months. part of that is the base effect, you are comparing the high level of prices to an already high level of prices. so, some of it isjust to an already high level of prices. so, some of it is just sort of the sort of mathematical explanation. but i think we're going to continue to see higher prices for some time now. we're not actually expecting the rate of inflation to get back to its 2% target until 2024.— its 2% target until 2024. right, nina skero. — its 296 target until 2024. right, nina skero, great _ its 296 target until 2024. right, nina skero, great to _ its 296 target until 2024. right, nina skero, great to talk- its 296 target until 2024. right, nina skero, great to talk to i its 296 target until 2024. right, | nina skero, great to talk to even its 296 target until 2024. right, - nina skero, great to talk to even if the news isn't that brilliant, thank thank you. 0ther other news, now. let's get some other news now and the taliban has reversed a decision to allow most teenage girls in afghanistan to return to secondary school. they were due back in lessons today for the first time

since august last year. officials say a decision is yet to be made about what uniform the students should wear. some girls were in class when the announcement was made. the confusion left some in tears as parents and students reacted with anger and disappointment to the last—minute move. the ministry of education said girls' high schools will remain closed until a plan was drawn up in accordance with islamic law. secunder kermani has more details from kabul. since the taliban takeover last august, all girls' primary schools and all boys schools, for both younger and older boys, have been open, but in most of the country, girls' secondary schools had remained closed. today is the start of the new academic year in most of the country and the taliban had announced that all schools would be reopened, including, we understood, and it was expected, girls' high schools. we went to a girls' high school this morning in the west of kabul. teachers were there, students had turned up, but around an hour after school was meant to start, news began filtering through from local

taliban officials that, actually, girls' high schools, girls secondary schools, weren't going to be allowed to be allowed to be... to remain open. and that was hugely distressing for the students who were there. some of them burst out into tears. earlier, they'd been telling me how excited, how happy they'd been just to be back in the classroom. many feared that perhaps they would never have been allowed back in the classroom and that's because back under the taliban's rule in the 1990s, girls' education was more or less completely banned. it had seen that it was going to be different this time but this unexpected rather bizarre last—minute u—turn has really been deeply unsettling for many afghans and it's taken more or less the entire country by surprise, including parts of the taliban. the taliban's own ministry of education say that they received a note from the central leadership saying that the plan

for the reopening of girls' high schools would have to be halted until a new, more islamic, more comprehensive plan had been drawn up. it's not clear when, if ever, that will be. but one statement by a government... an official government news agency did mention concern about school uniforms. i mean, frankly speaking, it's not clear what that could be a reference to or what any of the so—called islamic concerns could be because girls' schools and boys' schools in afghanistan were already segregated by gender. under this new taliban proposal that we had been expecting to be implemented today, girls would only be taught by female teachers, boys would only be taught by male teachers. girls, as part of their uniform, already wear the hijab, the covering of their hair. so it's really not clear what the issue is here and i suspect this is because of hardline elements within the taliban, female education is such a sensitive,

such a controversial issue that they really haven't been able to reconcile themselves to the idea of girls, of older girls going back to school and that reallyjust shows how out of touch they are with the modern aspirations of afghan society. and it reveals how divided, certainly on this issue at least, the taliban appear to be. today marks two years since the prime minister announced the uk's first official lockdown, telling the country: "you must stay at home". since then, nearly 164,000 people have died with covid—19. a memorial concert is being held at st paul's cathedral this evening. our health correspondent, catherine burns, is there for us. catherine, how will people be marking today? there is st paul's cathedral. lit there is st paul's cathedral. it is exactly two _ there is st paul's cathedral. it is exactly two years _ there is st paul's cathedral. lit 3 exactly two years since the bells rang silent here at staples and in

churches across the country as the prime minister announced we were going into a lockdown —— say here at pauls. he was remember where you were when you heard it. boris johnson spoke to the nation for almost six minutes and it boils down to that one instruction and he said, "you must stay at home". i remember at the time he used almost warlike language and described each and every one of us is enlisted. that is because we knew very little about this virus at that stage. no vaccines and no treatments. it is back to normal, you can see groups of tourists all around. it is about living with covid. make no mistake, we are living with it, covid still here. it is estimated one third of the uk population has been infected in the last few months. today we need to remember those 164,000 people almost who died within 28 days of a positive covid test. later on this evening, the tourists will be gone at 2000 members of the public and also nhs staff, people who have lost people, will be inside

the cathedral for a special concert. we are not allowed to film inside. it is looking absolutely spectacular. i have been inside. they will have special pieces of music and dance. 0ne they will have special pieces of music and dance. one piece is going to sing out the names of all the nhs staff who lost their lives the pandemic. staff who lost their lives the pandemic-— staff who lost their lives the pandemic. staff who lost their lives the andemic. ~ . , pandemic. we are still living with it but when _ pandemic. we are still living with it but when people _ pandemic. we are still living with it but when people do _ pandemic. we are still living with it but when people do look i pandemic. we are still living with it but when people do look back, | it but when people do look back, catherine, i think she can still hear us, when people do look back at lockdown, how do you think it will be assessed?— lockdown, how do you think it will be assessed? absolutely there will be assessed? absolutely there will be assessed? absolutely there will be a time to _ be assessed? absolutely there will be a time to look— be assessed? absolutely there will be a time to look back. _ be assessed? absolutely there will be a time to look back. the - be assessed? absolutely there will be a time to look back. the public| be a time to look back. the public inquiry, right now, they are setting up inquiry, right now, they are setting up the terms of reference. then they will start hearing from members of the public sometime next year. there will be questions asked, including about lockdown. where the measures taken, the right ones? a few spring to mind, schools were closed to all but the children of key workers. a lot of people think but the children of key workers. a lot of people thinl— lot of people think inaudible without taking _ lot of people think inaudible without taking such _ lot of people think inaudible without taking such a - lot of people think inaudible without taking such a big i lot of people think inaudiblel without taking such a big step. lot of people think inaudible - without taking such a big step. the other one, do you remember, you were

only allowed to go outside to exercise with people you live with once a day. even then there was a bit of an emerging picture that this virusjust doesn't bit of an emerging picture that this virus just doesn't transmit at well outdoors. these are the kinds of questions will be asked, were they the right steps? and questions asked about the timings, did lockdown come too late, was it enough? one epidemiologist recently said to me it was too much too late. he would have preferred we had taken steps earlier that weren't quite so strict. really, though, there will come a time to answer these questions. that will be in the inquiry. today is about remembering members of the public and nhs staff who died, lost their lives, and fought so hard in this pandemic. catherine burns, thank you. let's return to the spring statement. joining me now is the chief executive of spice village restaurants suleman raza, who is worried about the cost of oil, wheat and flour staple ingreidents for the food they serve. thank you very much for coming on the programme. a difficult time, you

would imagine, coming out of the pandemic, people starting to come back to restaurants. but, actually, you are now being hit by these increases in prices, how significant is it? , ., ~ increases in prices, how significant isit? , ., . ., is it? yes, thank you so much for havin: is it? yes, thank you so much for having me _ is it? yes, thank you so much for having me live — is it? yes, thank you so much for having me live on _ is it? yes, thank you so much for having me live on bbc. _ is it? yes, thank you so much for having me live on bbc. yes, - is it? yes, thank you so much for having me live on bbc. yes, we i is it? yes, thank you so much for i having me live on bbc. yes, we had is it? yes, thank you so much for - having me live on bbc. yes, we had a very tough two years. literallyjust out of the two years anniversary today of lockdown. the prices of raw ingredients are going to rocket high. inflation injanuary was 5.5% and in february 6.2% at looking like it's going well above forecast. the food prices, the energy cost, has trebled in the past few months. now with this ist of april literally round the corner with the vat threshold going back up to 20% is another very... we are feeling it is another very... we are feeling it is a bite on our pocket. the crisis we have faced throughout the pandemic

time and time again with this new ukraine crisis, i've been told the chicken and meat raw prices are going up. so, literally, we have a very limited window to work with. we are not in position to pass on these prices to the consumers.— are not in position to pass on these prices to the consumers. well, well, well, let prices to the consumers. well, well, well. let me — prices to the consumers. well, well, well. let me jump — prices to the consumers. well, well, well, let mejump in, _ prices to the consumers. well, well, well, let mejump in, if— prices to the consumers. well, well, well, let mejump in, if you - prices to the consumers. well, well, well, let mejump in, if you are - prices to the consumers. well, well, well, let mejump in, if you are not. well, let mejump in, if you are not ina well, let mejump in, if you are not in a position to pass it on, you will look elsewhere for help. you are looking to the chancellor. of all the things that he could do, what do you think would help you most? , ., �* , what do you think would help you most? , . �* , ., what do you think would help you most? , . �*, ., �* what do you think would help you most? , ., �* , ., �* most? yes, that's what we're looking for, we most? yes, that's what we're looking for. we are — most? yes, that's what we're looking for. we are heping — most? yes, that's what we're looking for, we are hoping and _ most? yes, that's what we're looking for, we are hoping and praying - most? yes, that's what we're looking for, we are hoping and praying that l for, we are hoping and praying that chancellor listens to us that vat should not be increased back up to 20%, it should be kept on i2.5%. the energy cost needs to be looked at. the fuel duty needs to be probably scrapped in orderfor us the fuel duty needs to be probably scrapped in order for us to survive. every single supplier is moaning about the fuel cost. it is really bringing up prices. these are probably things the chancellor should be looking at. if they do

not, we are really entering a very difficult time.— not, we are really entering a very difficult time. given the amount of s-iendin difficult time. given the amount of spending over— difficult time. given the amount of spending over covid, _ difficult time. given the amount of spending over covid, the - difficult time. given the amount of. spending over covid, the government will say perhaps this isn't the time to increase spending for more giveaways?— to increase spending for more iiveawa s? , ,, ., ., giveaways? yes, i know government has done a lot _ giveaways? yes, i know government has done a lot of— giveaways? yes, i know government has done a lot of support _ giveaways? yes, i know government has done a lot of support for - giveaways? yes, i know government has done a lot of support for small l has done a lot of support for small businesses like ourselves. however, look at what is going on in the world, right now. the ukraine crisis, the inflation everywhere, the small businesses and medium—sized businesses, like ourselves, are really, really struggling. i know the government has done enough previously but time and time again, these crises are pushing us against a wall. find and time again, these crises are pushing us against a wall. and what about our pushing us against a wall. and what about your staff, _ pushing us against a wall. and what about your staff, people _ pushing us against a wall. and what about your staff, people who - pushing us against a wall. and what about your staff, people who work | about your staff, people who work there? clearly facing, in their own private lives, increase in prices and obviously they will be wanting wages to go up, which makes it harder, again, for you.- wages to go up, which makes it harder, again, for you. yes, this is another challenge. _ harder, again, for you. yes, this is another challenge. the _ harder, again, for you. yes, this is another challenge. the employeesj harder, again, for you. yes, this is - another challenge. the employees are struggling because of the rise in

cost of living. they are probably right on their own because the way inflation is going up, the way electricity, the prices are going up, however, as an employer like ourselves, we are not able to pass on these price increases to our customers. how are we going to afford paying these extra to these employees? this is another real challenge we are facing right now. we are hoping, again, from this chancellor's speech today that he will really take care of all small and medium—size businesses. will really take care of all small and medium-size businesses. suleman raza, thank you _ and medium-size businesses. suleman raza, thank you for _ and medium-size businesses. suleman raza, thank you for talking _ and medium-size businesses. suleman raza, thank you for talking to - and medium-size businesses. suleman raza, thank you for talking to us - and medium-size businesses. suleman raza, thank you for talking to us on - raza, thank you for talking to us on bbc news. thank you.— the duke and duchess of cambridge have arrived injamaica, for the second leg of their week—long caribbean tour. activists there have been calling on the uk to pay reparations for slavery, an issue prince william is expected to address in a speech later today. the couple began their visit in the centre of the capital, kingston. a warning that this report from our royal correspondent, jonny dymond, contains flash photography. a rather formal start to what would become

a pretty informal day. just before their arrival... shouting. ..a demonstration outside britain's high commission, its embassy to jamaica. a protest against britain's use of the slaves here whenjamaica was its colony. and the demand for financial compensation. it's an insult to us for these young people to be here to try to persuade us to keep the status quo in place when our goal is to loosen and remove the hands, the gloved hands, of the queen, from around our necks. prince william is expecte to discuss slavery in the same sort of frank terms that his father used recently in barbados. he talked about it being a stain on history. but that will come later.

cheering. first, there was a visit to downtown kingston. the crowds were waiting. the royals can still pull a crowd injamaica. and they pull celebrities, too. manchester city's raheem sterling and aston villa's leon bailey, the jamaican international. then it was down to business, with william setting up a goalfor raheem sterling. applause. but it was the couple's off—pitch walkabout that sent the crowd wild. down the street they swept, surrounded by a cheering throng. cheering.

and then into one of jamaica's cultural shrines. a place where bob marley once lived and hung out with other musicians. this was a musical celebration. and a chance to kick back and relax. the royals got stuck in and the beat went on. here was a couple enjoying life together. all good things come to an end. eventually, they said their goodbyes. thank you so much. trench town will remember their visit for a long time to come.

jonny dymond, bbc news, kingston, jamaica. our top story, the chancellor, rishi sunak, preparing to give his spring statement in a couple of hours. this is just within the last hour, we saw him leave number 11 downing street holding in his hand that blew document the statement that he will be delivering to parliament at about 12:30pm this afternoon. normally, this occasion is fairly dry, and economic affair, with forecasts and outlooks and things about the economy. it is not a full budget, which is why we didn't see him posed with the traditional red box, that comes later in the year. he is jumping in the car, heading over to parliament, which is where he is now. the reason there is so much focus on it this year is because of

the extraordinary confluence of events coming out of the covid pandemic. we have inflation up, new figures up, 6.2% in february. that combined with things like the russian war in ukraine increasing prices even more. just in the last couple of hours on the bbc news channel and bbc two, we have seen an extraordinary range of guests, or people coming on as talking about the exact challenges they are facing now, talking about things like vat rates for business owners, wages, cost of food and drink, electricity, national insurance. incredible squeeze at the moment on the cost of living. and one of the ideas of some people calling for we will see what the chancellor responds with. but possibly things like action on fuel duty, national insurance, increase in universal credit. we will wait to see. not long to wait, about an hour and a half before the chancellor gets up to speak. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol.

hello, again. it's going to be another dry, sunny and warm day for most of us when we lose what's left of this morning's mist and fog from northeast england and the east midlands. high pressure is firmly in charge of our weather, keeping things settled. you can see from the distinct lack of isobars. we're just going to have gentle winds as we go through the course of the day. in fact, gentle breezes is probably a better description. so a lot of dry weather, a lot of sunshine. again, one or two showers, possibly across eastern scotland and eastern england, and later the odd sharp shower getting into the western isles. but they will be the exception rather than the rule. and temperatures today, ranging from 9—19 degrees, but potentially 21 in parts of east anglia and the south east. but today and over the next few days, it will almost feel that bit cooler. if you're heading to the coast. now through this evening and overnight under clear skies, temperatures will fall away quite rapidly. we'll see a return to some patchy mist and fog forming and a bit more cloud coming in

across northern ireland and scotland, western scotland, that is, with the odd shower. these are our overnight lows in the countryside, there'll be a bit lower than this, so you could well see a touch of frost. so first thing tomorrow the patchy mist and fog will lift again a lot of dry and sunny conditions. western scotland, northern ireland, the isle of man seeing a bit more cloud at times with the odd shower predominantly in the northwest and our temperatures, while we're looking at once again nine in the north, 17 in newcastle, 18 in hull and also in london, but cooler on the coasts. as we head from thursday into friday, little bit of a change in that we'll see a bit more cloud across scotland and also northern ireland. but in eastern areas there'll be some brightness with some sunny skies and again across england and wales areas of cloud floating around. but we could see some low cloud linger across the southeast coastline, something to bear in mind if you're thinking of heading to the coast. and then as we head into the weekend, we still do have high pressure in charge, especially in southern areas. this weather front will bring in a bit more cloud and as a result,

temperatures will be that little bit lower, but they'll still be above average for this time of year. average north to the south is roughly ten to 13 degrees, but as we head into tuesday and wednesday next week, it's looking like it's going to be colder than it is now.

this is bbc news. the headlines at 11. as the chancellor prepares to make his spring statement — new figures show the cost of living has risen by more than six percent — the fastest increase in over thirty years. rishi sunak is under pressure to promise more help for struggling families — as many face soaring energy, fuel and food costs. i used to love going to the beach but i can't even afford that in fuel now. because i have got a car to run as well. so we just do little things like this now. sometimes we'll even get a bus now, won't we, instead? and in ukraine, new aerial images emerge of the battered city of mariupol. president zelensky says more than a hundred thousand civilians remain there — without food, water or medicine.

good morning. the chancellor rishi sunak will unveil his spring statement in the commons later today, as the country faces increasing pressure from rising energy, fuel and food costs. it comes as official figures, released this morning, show the cost of living continued to soar last month. prices rose by 6.2% in the 12 months to february — the fastest for 30 years. the figures lay bare the challenge the chancellor faces ahead of his spring spending statement. mr sunak faces growing calls to offer more support as household budgets are squeezed. so what new measures might he consider? there is speculation the chancellor could cut fuel duty by five pence per litre. there have been calls for him to delay a planned rise in national insurance payments,

or scrap it altogether. but it's possible that he might instead raise the threshold at which people start paying. next month, the government will increase benefits, including universal credit, by 3.1%, but dozens of charities want the chancellor to go further. our consumer affairs correspondent colletta smith has this report. the chancellor has been rehearsing, but the audience that really matters are a long way from westminster. he's under pressure to announce something to help shade us from the scorching cost of every bill at the moment. it's a gorgeous day, and everyone's making the most of the sunshine. this is my little boy, tiger. ah, hello. we're just trying to do more like this, like go out on days out like this. i used to love going to the beach, but i can't even afford that in fuel now. because i've got a car to run as well. so we just do little things like this now. sometimes we'll even get the bus, won't we, instead?

stevie's rent went up by £200 last month, and she's already behind on the gas and electricity bills. we're just trying to get by. just try and keep upbeat about it, anyway. paul and charlotte have been feeling the bite of energy bills this winter, too. if the gas goes on, it, you know, it takes a while to kind of kick in. and perhaps back in the day when we were students, we would have just not put the heating on, but we can't do that any more because we've got lois. so we've been to eureka this morning using our tesco vouchers. so it was free because of the tesco vouchers. but it's just like all of those things when you're planning, you're just trying to save costs wherever you can. morning. all right, you? costs are rising for mark at his coffee shop, but he doesn't want to put prices up because he knows how tough everyone's finding it. we do have to pay a wage, pay ourselves, pay your rent. it all has a huge impact. and to keep that quality experience going, people might have to pay that

extra pound to enjoy it. but that's something stevie just can't afford. i don't think i'd be able to save a pound. so you're literally living, everything that comes in... month by month, yeah. just gets spent. straight out, yeah. 0k. yeah. and if you can't meet those bills, then where will you turn? i either don't pay them, and then it's debt, or... i don't want to have to ask family, but...i do. today's spring statement isn't supposed to be a full budget, butjust tinkering around the edges isn't going to be enough to help stevie and millions like her. colletta smith, bbc news, at the peace hall in halifax. let's take a closer look at the figures as the rishi sunak faces further pressure to tackle the soaring cost of living in his spring statement today — after new figures revealed a bigger—than—expected jump in inflation. here's our economics correspondent andy verity.

talk us through the numbers. the big picture is inflation and that is the story everyone is worried about. if you look at where it is now compared to where it was ten years ago, look at that chart, you can see that actually it has gone up to 6.2%, the highest for the last decade and in fact it is the highest it has been for 30 years but that says something about how low it has been. a lot of our viewers will remember in the 19805 our viewers will remember in the 1980s and 1970s when inflation was not just double figures 1980s and 1970s when inflation was notjust double figures but in the 70s got up to 20 or 25%. look at the economic growth picture, but as the other factor affecting what rishi sunak can do. there is a dip in economic growth, that is the global financial crisis, look here, this is what has happened in the pandemic, great big drop and great big bounce back as the global economy reopened and that is partly causing me inflation because there is surging

demand from the global economy reopening, lots of people have to get their goods around, they need petrol and the economic growth is slowing down from that bounce back and we have now got growth lower thanit and we have now got growth lower than it used to be, nevertheless the chancellor is getting more tax partly because of inflation, like vat, you get more of it if inflation goes up. what can he actually do to help families with the cost of living crisis? there are a few measures he will consider that some people have predicted, the treasury have pointed out that they have already spent or committed £9.1 billion to help with energy bills and there is an energy bills rebate which is helping with that, it is a few hundred pounds for households if you are in band a— d to council tax, but you may have to pay it back out so it is only a loan. there is a threshold for national endurance, a big rise in national insurance, it

will pay for health and social care, he could exempt some people by raising the threshold where you start to pay national insurance and that could soften the blow for a lot of households who really feel they do not need a tax rise on top of the big energy bills. the other thing he might do is a cut in fuel duty with petrol prices at £1 65 per litre and that would make a bit of a difference, perhaps five or 6p off but given the rises we have seen, not a amount of difference and those are some options, he may still come out with a rabbit in a hat we have not heard of. hot out with a rabbit in a hat we have not heard oh— out with a rabbit in a hat we have not heard of. not long to find out. thank you — not heard of. not long to find out. thank you very — not heard of. not long to find out. thank you very much. _ so how could rishi sunak�*s plans affect you? we'll be taking your questions on the spring statement, this afternoon at lizliopm on the bbc news channel. we'll have guests able to answer a range of aspects of the statement — from fuel, to pensions, and benefits. you can get in touch on twitter using the hashtag bbc your questions — and you can email us on yourquestions@bbc.co.uk.

ukraine's president vlodimir zelensky says there is "nothing left" of the port city of mariupol as it remains under constant russian bombardment. in his nightly address he said ioo—thousand civilians remain there with no food, water or medicine. judith moritz reports. the road out of mariupol is the road out of hell. it's a desperate journey, but car after car has run this gauntlet, fleeing a city where there's almost nothing left. and what can life possibly feel like for those still there? the russians have razed this place to the ground. thousands are still trapped, trying to survive in impossible circumstances. translation: as of today, there are about 100,000 i people in this city, in inhuman conditions, completely blockaded, without food, water,

without medicines, subject to constant shelling, constant bombardment. for more than a week now, we've been trying to organise stable humanitarian corridors for mariupol residents, and almost all our attempts, unfortunately, are disrupted by the russian occupiers, by shelling or deliberate terror. as russian tanks continue to roll across ukrainian territory, there are pockets of resistance. this is the town of voznesensk. the russians were determined to seize it. but this quiet farming community stood its ground, setting a trap for the invading soldiers, and then blowing up the town's bridge, sending the russians into retreat. explosion. in places like this, the ukrainians are moving from defence to attack. we have seen indications that the ukrainians are going a bit

more on the offense now, and they have been defending very smartly, very nimbly, very creatively, in places that they believe are the right places to defend. and we have seen them now in places, particularly in the south, near kherson, they have tried to regain territory. the ukrainians say that each day they fight, they buy themselves a better position at the negotiating table. the diplomacy continues, but so too does the war of words. russia has refused to rule out using nuclear weapons. the pentagon called those remarks dangerous. and with further sanctions imminent, the ukrainians hope that, step—by—step, the russians will be urged towards peace. judith moritz, bbc news. let's bring you up—to—date with some other stories making the news today. p&o ferries has said 800 staff they made redundant will be offered £36.5 million in total —

with around a0 people getting more than £100,000 pounds each. the firm has also denied that it broke the law when it sacked the workers without warning last week. the boss of the company, peter hebblethwaite, has been called to appear in front of mps tomorrow in a joint transport and business select committee session. today marks two years since the prime minister announced the uk's first official lockdown, telling the country: "you must stay at home". since then, nearly 164,000 people have died with covid—i9. a memorial concert is being held at st paul's cathedral this evening. the taliban has reversed a decision to allow most teenage girls in afghanistan to return to secondary school. they were due back in lessons today for the first time since august last year. officials say a decision is yet to be made about what uniform the students should wear in accordance with islamic law. tennis, and world number one

ash barty says she's 'ok' if people don't understand why she's decided to retire at the age of 25. barty says winning wimbledon in 2021 changed her perspective as it left her still feeling unfilfilled. she won three grand slam titles, including her home slam — the australian open. ijust want i just want to bring you ijust want to bring you a bit of breaking news from london. we are hearing from reuters that the queen elizabeth olympic park says there has been an incident at the aquatic centre there this morning involving the release of gas. they have also said the area has been cordoned off and evacuated and there are a number of casualties with breathing difficulties being treated and the london ambulance service also says they are responding to an incident at the queen elizabeth olympic park and they have a number of resources

on scene and there are casualties being treated with breathing difficulties after the release of gas. we will bring you more on that as we get it. let us go back to our main story, the chancellor's statement. we'll bejoining politics live shortly for analysis of the chancellor's spring statement. first let's get a quick word with our political correspondentjonathan blake... what can we expect? well, i think it more likely — what can we expect? well, i think it more likely than _ what can we expect? well, i think it more likely than not _ what can we expect? well, i think it more likely than not we _ what can we expect? well, i think it more likely than not we will - what can we expect? well, i think it more likely than not we will see - more likely than not we will see some sort of a reduction in fuel duty. that is one of the things been muted among the options from the spring statement, things that could help ease the cost of living squeeze that so many individuals and households are feeling at the moment. there may also be a change to the rise in national insurance payments, it will not be scrapped,

highly unlikely it will be delayed, but there could be a change to the threshold. , ., ., ., ., ,., , but there could be a change to the threshold. , ., . . ., , ., threshold. jonathan, i am sorry to interru t, threshold. jonathan, i am sorry to interrupt. we _ threshold. jonathan, i am sorry to interrupt, we have _ threshold. jonathan, i am sorry to interrupt, we have to _ threshold. jonathan, i am sorry to interrupt, we have to say - threshold. jonathan, i am sorry toj interrupt, we have to say goodbye threshold. jonathan, i am sorry to i interrupt, we have to say goodbye to our viewers on bbc two. jonathan, thank you for that. just a bit of housekeeping for people watching, we were simulcasting on the news channel and bbc two and we had to say goodbye to viewers on bbc two. we have got 30 seconds left, set the scene for us. the we have got 30 seconds left, set the scene for us-— scene for us. the chancellor left number 11 _ scene for us. the chancellor left number 11 downing _ scene for us. the chancellor left number 11 downing street i scene for us. the chancellor left number 11 downing street just . scene for us. the chancellor left i number 11 downing streetjust behind me in the last hour and he makes the shortjourney me in the last hour and he makes the short journey to me in the last hour and he makes the shortjourney to parliament me in the last hour and he makes the short journey to parliament where me in the last hour and he makes the shortjourney to parliament where he will speak to mps straight after prime minister's questions, he will get to his fate around 12:30pm and we think he will speak for 25 minutes. not a we think he will speak for 25 minutes. nota big we think he will speak for 25 minutes. not a big long budget style address, but this is a very important moment and there are very high expectations on the chancellor and huge scrutiny at the moment, not

only from people struggling with their bills but also from his own mps, to see what clues are there in terms of his own political instincts and how he intends to set the economic course in the aftermath of the pandemic, of course facing the fallout from the invasion in ukraine. with me today for this politics live special, political editor laura kuenssberg, business editor simonjack, and economics editor faisal islam. today, inflation hits a 30—year high.

the chancellor promises "further support" to help with the cost of living. rishi sunak will reveal his plans injust over an hour. but his tax rises are also about to hit households. he's doing that, he hopes, so that, just before the election, he can try to cut taxes and claim to be a tax—cutting government. the war in ukraine continues to rage. and it's pushing up global energy and food prices yet further. also today we'll be live in the commons for prime minister's questions. we are here at darlington market speaking to local businesses who have been hit by rising costs. welcome to this politics live special and to viewers on the news channel. today's spring statement comes against a background of

extraordinary pressures on household finances and budgets. that has been driven by the figures today which will be exacerbated by the fact that inflation is now at a record high of 6.2%. it is driven by rising fuel, energy and food prices. you might remember it was only a few months ago that rishi sunak had his budget in october, and a few weeks ago he announced further emergency measures to help households deal with rising energy bills from february. that all seems out of date now. and the backdrop of the russian invasion of ukraine, which is likely to further increase the cost of fuel in the coming months. any hope that rishi sunak, who we can see here, contemplating what he is going to do, that it would be quiet, this statement come with a few policy announcements, that seems to be dashed. he is under huge political

pressure from all sides to intervene quite a dramatic level, to alleviate the pressure on people's finances. there are warnings that the cost of living crisis increasingly threatens to become a poverty emergency across the uk. we have had some words from him last night, as he wanted to very much rooted the statement today and the problems facing the economy and millions of households in what is going on in ukraine but the cost of living crisis did start before that. he left for the house of commons about 45 minutes ago, here he is coming out of the famous number 11 draw. this is of course not a budget, it's a financial statement, he does not have his red box and he is not there with his treasury team. but here he is, having put the finishing touches to his speech, and on his way to the house of commons. there is a huge political pressure and a lot of advice being given to

him, cutting fuel duty by 5p, and also i that scrapping or delaying the rise in national insurance contributions on employees and employers that will hit next month. here is a flavour in some of the papers. that is the national insurance contribution hike. and this was in the financial times. something slightly different. this is because he is said to have something in the region of £20 billion extra in terms of public finances that he could use to help households, or, as the ft says, lay aside for debt repayments. the pressure is huge, laura, and a moment of real peril. it pressure is huge, laura, and a moment of real peril.- pressure is huge, laura, and a moment of real peril. it really is and a moment _ moment of real peril. it really is and a moment risk— moment of real peril. it really is and a moment risk and - moment of real peril. it really is and a moment risk and political| and a moment risk and political danger but for rishi sunak, it is a moment where he very much wants to be seen and indeed to keep a set and keep his nerve and not give in to all of those very many demands being

put forward by the opposition, helpful backbench mps, many papers, business groups, families and firms around the country. they are waking up around the country. they are waking up to those historic inflation figures today, a real search, this is not something of a few decimal points, we are seeing prices rise at the fastest rate in three decades and that is a massive political as well as phenomenon economics. —— political problem. but he's not in terms of setting expectation at all in the market for a big bang they are giving billions to people and for several different reasons, one because it is a moment of wait and see, the treasury knows it will be bad but they're not sure how bad. fir bad but they're not sure how bad. or for how long. and _ bad but they're not sure how bad. or for how long. and there _ bad but they're not sure how bad. or for how long. and there is _ bad but they're not sure how bad. or for how long. and there is a - for how long. and there is a olitical for how long. and there is a political calculus _ for how long. and there is a political calculus and, i for how long. and there is a political calculus and, his i political calculus and, his political calculus and, his political instincts, he wants to be somebody who is seen to care about balancing the books, a small state person, but there's also the political imperative that he and

borisjohnson want political imperative that he and boris johnson want to political imperative that he and borisjohnson want to cut political imperative that he and boris johnson want to cut taxes going into the next election. that is the political argument going backwards and forwards that ministers are grappling with, hold your fire now, ministers are grappling with, hold yourfire now, have a ministers are grappling with, hold your fire now, have a feel—good factor in 2024, but the question is, the political risk may be suggesting to the public that the government doesn't get how tough things are going to be, but a big risk to run. and it is the big political judgment, how far he intervenes that he has used terms like standing by people, we will see what that looks like when he stands up shortly we can show people the inflation rate and you can see it clearly on the consumer prices index, 0.4% in february last year, now at 6.2% so what is driving it? it’s february last year, now at 6.2% so what is driving it?— what is driving it? it's worth -iuttin what is driving it? it's worth putting some _ what is driving it? it's worth putting some context i what is driving it? it's worth putting some context on i what is driving it? it's worth | putting some context on that what is driving it? it's worth _ putting some context on that number, it is treble _ putting some context on that number, it is treble what the bank of england _ it is treble what the bank of england is supposed to target. used to make _ england is supposed to target. used to make headlines out of it being three _ to make headlines out of it being three or— to make headlines out of it being three or 4% and it will not stop at

a 6%~ _ three or 4% and it will not stop at a 6%~ we — three or 4% and it will not stop at a 6%. we will hit a lot blaming of the economic situation going forward on the _ the economic situation going forward on the invasion that this covers only— on the invasion that this covers only three _ on the invasion that this covers only three or four days of the invasion, _ only three or four days of the invasion, that is the data from february _ invasion, that is the data from february. it is driven by the bounce back from _ february. it is driven by the bounce back from the pandemic, so you have essentially— back from the pandemic, so you have essentially a — back from the pandemic, so you have essentially a situation where the demand — essentially a situation where the demand in the economy bounced back quickly— demand in the economy bounced back quickly put _ demand in the economy bounced back quickly put the cogs and wheels of the global economy, power stations and factories, did not get going quickly— and factories, did not get going quickly enough to get inflation in that situation. other supply chain problems — that situation. other supply chain problems. that has contributed to this pressure and in particular in energy — this pressure and in particular in energy. energy prices have gone up, but it— energy. energy prices have gone up, but it does— energy. energy prices have gone up, but it does not include the massive rise in— but it does not include the massive rise in energy we will get next month, — rise in energy we will get next month, in— rise in energy we will get next month, in prices, an average of £700~~ — month, in prices, an average of £700... �* . ., ., month, in prices, an average of £700... �* ., , ., ., £700. .. and it could go up again in october? by _ £700. .. and it could go up again in october? by a _ £700. .. and it could go up again in october? by a few— £700. .. and it could go up again in october? by a few hundred - £700. .. and it could go up again in october? by a few hundred poundsj october? by a few hundred pounds minimum. october? by a few hundred pounds minimum- per— october? by a few hundred pounds minimum. per year, _ october? by a few hundred pounds minimum. per year, that _ october? by a few hundred pounds minimum. per year, that is. i october? by a few hundred pounds minimum. per year, that is. these| minimum. peryear, that is. these are very— minimum. peryear, that is. these are very difficult sets of stats it's not — are very difficult sets of stats it's not the end of the story, and

what _ it's not the end of the story, and what you — it's not the end of the story, and what you hear from the treasury or had heard — what you hear from the treasury or had heard is— what you hear from the treasury or had heard is a whole set of difficult _ had heard is a whole set of difficult decisions that crystallise immediately from that number opened next month, for example, benefits, universal— next month, for example, benefits, universal credit is going up by 3.1%. _ universal credit is going up by 3.1%, state pension, 3.1% because that is— 3.1%, state pension, 3.1% because that is exactly half. then you have the flip _ that is exactly half. then you have the flip side of that which is october— the flip side of that which is october and november, the flip side of that which is octoberand november, because the flip side of that which is october and november, because we still think— october and november, because we still think inflation will be high perhaps— still think inflation will be high perhaps higher... still think inflation will be high perhaps higher. . .— still think inflation will be high perhaps higher... some people are sa ini perhaps higher... some people are saying 8-10%- _ perhaps higher... some people are saying 8-10%- it — perhaps higher... some people are saying 8-10%. it is _ perhaps higher... some people are saying 8-10%. it is the _ perhaps higher... some people are saying 8-10%. it is the bank- perhaps higher... some people are saying 8-10%. it is the bank of i saying 8-10%. it is the bank of encland saying 8-10%. it is the bank of england indicating _ saying 8-10%. it is the bank of england indicating that. - saying 8-10%. it is the bank of england indicating that. it's i saying 8-10%. it is the bank of. england indicating that. it's also other— england indicating that. it's also other people as well. but it is in their— other people as well. but it is in their forecast, other people as well. but it is in theirforecast, so other people as well. but it is in their forecast, so we will have a forecast — their forecast, so we will have a forecast in — their forecast, so we will have a forecast in the office for budget responsibility, and it will now be very difficult, in the treasury, talking — very difficult, in the treasury, talking to _ very difficult, in the treasury, talking to public sector workers, this was— talking to public sector workers, this wasjust a talking to public sector workers, this was just a one—off freakish thing. — this was just a one—off freakish thing. itll— this was just a one—off freakish thing, it'll go back to normal quickly _ thing, it'll go back to normal quickly. that is not the forecast now _ quickly. that is not the forecast now it — quickly. that is not the forecast now it will _ quickly. that is not the forecast now. it will stay like this until the end — now. it will stay like this until the end of— now. it will stay like this until the end of the year so difficult to resist _ the end of the year so difficult to resist demands for some extra generosity above, say, the inflation target _ generosity above, say, the inflation

target of— generosity above, say, the inflation target of 2%. the generosity above, say, the inflation target of 296-— target of 2%. the reason there is ressure target of 2%. the reason there is pressure for _ target of 2%. the reason there is pressure for greater _ target of 2%. the reason there is pressure for greater generosity l target of 2%. the reason there is| pressure for greater generosity is perhaps these figures, and also better—than—expected tax receipts. these are monthly borrowing figures, you look at last april, over 24 billion, they have gone down come february this year to 13 billion which is what they call this a head room, this wriggle room that the chancellor has but what does he do with the money? the pressure is on him to use it to help households or, as we saw in the ft, is he holding onto it to pay for for higher debt repayment? it’s onto it to pay for for higher debt repayment?— repayment? it's not like a war chest, repayment? it's not like a war chest. it's _ repayment? it's not like a war chest, it's the _ repayment? it's not like a war chest, it's the fact _ repayment? it's not like a war chest, it's the fact he - repayment? it's not like a war chest, it's the fact he is i repayment? it's not like a war i chest, it's the fact he is borrowing less than— chest, it's the fact he is borrowing less than he — chest, it's the fact he is borrowing less than he expected. he doesn't automatically flow through that he needs— automatically flow through that he needs to _ automatically flow through that he needs to spend it but if there are things— needs to spend it but if there are things you — needs to spend it but if there are things you can spend on, he has options — things you can spend on, he has options i— things you can spend on, he has options. i think our instincts as laura _ options. i think our instincts as laura said. _ options. i think our instincts as laura said, is that he will choose to keep — laura said, is that he will choose to keep a — laura said, is that he will choose to keep a lot about back. because they want— to keep a lot about back. because they want to keep some of their powder— they want to keep some of their powder dry, and you mentioned the issue _ powder dry, and you mentioned the issue of— powder dry, and you mentioned the issue of the — powder dry, and you mentioned the issue of the extra rise in energy prices _ issue of the extra rise in energy prices for— issue of the extra rise in energy prices for example. that could be

worth— prices for example. that could be worth ten— prices for example. that could be worth ten or £15 billion in terms of extra _ worth ten or £15 billion in terms of extra rises — worth ten or £15 billion in terms of extra rises. they will keep something back if that turns out to be as— something back if that turns out to be as bad — something back if that turns out to be as bad as it could be but the flip side — be as bad as it could be but the flip side of— be as bad as it could be but the flip side of this is what it isn't, and _ flip side of this is what it isn't, and it— flip side of this is what it isn't, and it isn't_ flip side of this is what it isn't, and it isn't what we had to years ago. _ and it isn't what we had to years ago. ate — and it isn't what we had to years ago, ate whatever it takes a moment. there _ ago, ate whatever it takes a moment. there are _ ago, ate whatever it takes a moment. there are reasons for that. one of the principal reasons is the fear these _ the principal reasons is the fear these rising energy prices are not a one off, _ these rising energy prices are not a one off, that they will last for two or three _ one off, that they will last for two or three or— one off, that they will last for two or three or four years. that makes it very difficult. — or three or four years. that makes it very difficult, particularly - or three or four years. that makes it very difficult, particularly when l it very difficult, particularly when you put it in context, and simon, i will come to you on the back of what is happening in april, it is a crunch month for households. you have alluded to it, faisal, with the energy price cap rising almost £2000, the cap lifted by about £700 a year and it could go up for later on. then we have increases in national insurance contributions, hugely controversial, a lot of tory mps saying it should be postponed or even scrapped, and changes to income tax. this is the freeze up with the

income tax free allowance and the point at which people start paying the higher rate but that real terms cut to welfare payments, the chancellor had announced a 3.1% increase in benefits, but inflation obviously dwarfs that increase and it will be a real terms cut. these are the measures the chancellor had announced to help people with energy bills, the council tax rebate of £150 for band a — d, and there will be eight rebate lower energy bills for £200 of edit household in the autumn but you have to pay that back. then the national living wage rises to £9.50 an hour. the increase in the national living wage will help out some workers but what about businesses? it is help out some workers but what about businesses? , ., help out some workers but what about businesses? , . ., ., ., . .,, businesses? it is an additional cost to businesses _ businesses? it is an additional cost to businesses of— businesses? it is an additional cost to businesses of course _ businesses? it is an additional cost to businesses of course and - businesses? it is an additional cost to businesses of course and they . to businesses of course and they want _ to businesses of course and they want to— to businesses of course and they want to pay— to businesses of course and they want to pay their _ to businesses of course and they want to pay their employees i to businesses of course and they| want to pay their employees well to businesses of course and they i want to pay their employees well but can they— want to pay their employees well but can they afford — want to pay their employees well but can they afford it _ want to pay their employees well but can they afford it given _ want to pay their employees well but can they afford it given the _ want to pay their employees well but can they afford it given the fact i can they afford it given the fact that even— can they afford it given the fact that even if— can they afford it given the fact that even if we _ can they afford it given the fact that even if we get _ can they afford it given the fact that even if we get a _ can they afford it given the fact that even if we get a tweak- can they afford it given the fact that even if we get a tweak to. can they afford it given the fact i that even if we get a tweak to the threshold — that even if we get a tweak to the threshold which _ that even if we get a tweak to the threshold which employees - that even if we get a tweak to the threshold which employees starti threshold which employees start paying _ threshold which employees start paying this — threshold which employees start

paying this higher— threshold which employees start paying this higher national- paying this higher national insurance, _ paying this higher national insurance, we _ paying this higher national insurance, we don't- paying this higher national| insurance, we don't expect paying this higher national- insurance, we don't expect that to be applied — insurance, we don't expect that to be applied to _ insurance, we don't expect that to be applied to businesses - insurance, we don't expect that to be applied to businesses so - insurance, we don't expect that to be applied to businesses so they. be applied to businesses so they will get — be applied to businesses so they will get what _ be applied to businesses so they will get what they— be applied to businesses so they will get what they call— be applied to businesses so they will get what they call a - be applied to businesses so they will get what they call a tax i be applied to businesses so they will get what they call a tax on . will get what they call a tax on jobs _ will get what they call a tax on jobs the _ will get what they call a tax on jobs. the first _ will get what they call a tax on jobs. the first point _ will get what they call a tax on jobs. the first point you - will get what they call a tax on jobs. the first point you raised about— jobs. the first point you raised about the _ jobs. the first point you raised about the energy _ jobs. the first point you raised about the energy price - jobs. the first point you raised about the energy price cap i jobs. the first point you raised| about the energy price cap rise jobs. the first point you raised i about the energy price cap rise to around _ about the energy price cap rise to around £2000 _ about the energy price cap rise to around £2000 for— about the energy price cap rise to around £2000 for individuals, i. around £2000 for individuals, i cannot— around £2000 for individuals, i cannot stress— around £2000 for individuals, i cannot stress this _ around £2000 for individuals, i cannot stress this enough, i cannot stress this enough, businesses _ cannot stress this enough, businesses are _ cannot stress this enough, businesses are not - cannot stress this enough, i businesses are not protected by cannot stress this enough, - businesses are not protected by an energy— businesses are not protected by an energy price — businesses are not protected by an energy price cap _ businesses are not protected by an energy price cap. that— businesses are not protected by an energy price cap. that get- businesses are not protected by an energy price cap. that get into i energy price cap. that get into every— energy price cap. that get into every steer— energy price cap. that get into every steel but _ energy price cap. that get into every steel but you _ energy price c5p~ that get into every steel but you forge, i energy price cap. that get into. every steel but you forge, every rivet _ every steel but you forge, every rivet and — every steel but you forge, every rivet and chip _ every steel but you forge, every rivet and chip youth _ every steel but you forge, every rivet and chip youth przemyslaw every steel but you forge, every i rivet and chip youth przemyslaw drag are every— rivet and chip youth przemyslaw drag are every bit— rivet and chip youth przemyslaw drag are every bit of— rivet and chip youth przemyslaw drag are every bit of fertiliser— rivet and chip youth przemyslaw drag are every bit of fertiliser for- rivet and chip youth przemyslaw drag are every bit of fertiliser for food - are every bit of fertiliser for food you need. — are every bit of fertiliser for food you need. it _ are every bit of fertiliser for food you need. it is _ are every bit of fertiliser for food you need, it is an— are every bit of fertiliser for food you need, it is an incredibly- you need, it is an incredibly pervasive _ you need, it is an incredibly pervasive pressure - you need, it is an incredibly pervasive pressure and - you need, it is an incredibly pervasive pressure and it'si pervasive pressure and it's horrendous _ pervasive pressure and it's horrendous for— pervasive pressure and it's horrendous for some - pervasive pressure and it's - horrendous for some businesses pervasive pressure and it's _ horrendous for some businesses defra -- every— horrendous for some businesses defra -- every chip— horrendous for some businesses defra -- every chip you _ horrendous for some businesses defra -- every chip you fry _ what they fear is the chancellor will look — what they fear is the chancellor will look at _ what they fear is the chancellor will look at gdp, _ what they fear is the chancellor will look at gdp, which - what they fear is the chancellor will look at gdp, which was - what they fear is the chancellor. will look at gdp, which was pretty good _ will look at gdp, which was pretty good last— will look at gdp, which was pretty good last month, _ will look at gdp, which was pretty good last month, corporate - will look at gdp, which was pretty. good last month, corporate deposits which _ good last month, corporate deposits which are _ good last month, corporate deposits which are ok — good last month, corporate deposits which are ok actually, _ good last month, corporate deposits which are ok actually, the _ which are ok actually, the unemployment _ which are ok actually, the unemployment rate - which are ok actually, the unemployment rate and l which are ok actually, the l unemployment rate and you which are ok actually, the - unemployment rate and you know which are ok actually, the _ unemployment rate and you know what, the economy— unemployment rate and you know what, the economy is— unemployment rate and you know what, the economy is doing _ unemployment rate and you know what, the economy is doing 0k, _ unemployment rate and you know what, the economy is doing ok, the _ the economy is doing ok, the corporate _ the economy is doing ok, the corporate sector— the economy is doing ok, the corporate sector looks - the economy is doing ok, the corporate sector looks like i. the economy is doing ok, the . corporate sector looks like i can park— corporate sector looks like i can park this — corporate sector looks like i can park this for— corporate sector looks like i can park this for a _ corporate sector looks like i can park this for a bit _ corporate sector looks like i can park this for a bit and _ corporate sector looks like i can park this for a bit and come - corporate sector looks like i cani park this for a bit and come back corporate sector looks like i can. park this for a bit and come back in 0ctoher— park this for a bit and come back in october and — park this for a bit and come back in october and that— park this for a bit and come back in october and that is— park this for a bit and come back in october and that is what _ park this for a bit and come back in october and that is what they - park this for a bit and come back in october and that is what they feel. i october and that is what they feel. they know — october and that is what they feel. they know they _ october and that is what they feel. they know they will _ october and that is what they feel. they know they will get _ october and that is what they feel. they know they will get a - october and that is what they feel. they know they will get a lot - october and that is what they feel. they know they will get a lot on i they know they will get a lot on investment— they know they will get a lot on investment on— they know they will get a lot on investment on skills _ they know they will get a lot on investment on skills and - they know they will get a lot on - investment on skills and innovation and some _ investment on skills and innovation and some of— investment on skills and innovation and some of the _ investment on skills and innovation

and some of the seppi _ investment on skills and innovation and some of the seppi laid - investment on skills and innovation and some of the seppi laid out - investment on skills and innovation and some of the seppi laid out in l and some of the seppi laid out in the important _ and some of the seppi laid out in the important lecture _ and some of the seppi laid out in the important lecture but- and some of the seppi laid out in the important lecture but they i and some of the seppi laid out inl the important lecture but they are worrying _ the important lecture but they are worrying that _ the important lecture but they are worrying that business _ the important lecture but they are worrying that business confidence| the important lecture but they are l worrying that business confidence is beginning _ worrying that business confidence is beginning to — worrying that business confidence is beginning to ftag _ worrying that business confidence is beginning to flag and _ worrying that business confidence is beginning to flag and if— worrying that business confidence is beginning to flag and if you - worrying that business confidence is beginning to flag and if you wait - beginning to flag and if you wait till october. _ beginning to flag and if you wait till october, is— beginning to flag and if you wait till october, is much— beginning to flag and if you wait till october, is much easier- beginning to flag and if you wait till october, is much easier to l till october, is much easier to sustain— till october, is much easier to sustain business— till october, is much easier to sustain business confidence . till october, is much easier to . sustain business confidence now till october, is much easier to - sustain business confidence now than to try— sustain business confidence now than to try to— sustain business confidence now than to try to get— sustain business confidence now than to try to get it — sustain business confidence now than to try to get it back— sustain business confidence now than to try to get it back when _ sustain business confidence now than to try to get it back when you've - to try to get it back when you've lost it _ to try to get it back when you've lost it in — to try to get it back when you've lost it in october— to try to get it back when you've lost it in october and _ to try to get it back when you've lost it in october and that - to try to get it back when you've lost it in october and that is - to try to get it back when you've lost it in october and that is thei lost it in october and that is the ganrbte — lost it in october and that is the ganrbte the _ lost it in october and that is the gamble the chancellor- lost it in october and that is the gamble the chancellor might. lost it in october and that is the i gamble the chancellor might take. let's get _ gamble the chancellor might take. let's get more _ gamble the chancellor might take. let's get more of— gamble the chancellor might take. let's get more of a _ gamble the chancellor might take. let's get more of a feeling - gamble the chancellor might take. let's get more of a feeling for- gamble the chancellor might take. let's get more of a feeling for thati let's get more of a feeling for that because we can talk to fiona trott, in the north of england, at a market in the north of england, at a market in darlington. what are people they're looking for from rishi in darlington. what are people they're looking forfrom rishi sunak today? they're looking for from rishi sunak toda ? ., , ' :: today? hello. over the past 150 ears today? hello. over the past 150 years this _ today? hello. over the past 150 years this market _ today? hello. over the past 150 years this market has _ today? hello. over the past 150 years this market has seen - today? hello. over the past 150 years this market has seen the | years this market has seen the economy rise and fall, the best of times, the worst of times. today, people here are telling us they are tightening their belts and it's not just them but businesses as well trying to manage increased costs. we can chat to robin who runs a fruit and veg stall and dianne who owns a local haulage firm but firstly give us an idea of the increase in cost you're facing? it’s us an idea of the increase in cost you're facing?— us an idea of the increase in cost you're facing? it's a small increase at the moment _ you're facing? it's a small increase at the moment but _ you're facing? it's a small increase at the moment but we _

you're facing? it's a small increase at the moment but we estimate, l you're facing? it's a small increase i at the moment but we estimate, with trying _ at the moment but we estimate, with trying to— at the moment but we estimate, with trying to keep the costs down as much _ trying to keep the costs down as much as— trying to keep the costs down as much as we can.— trying to keep the costs down as much as we can. and it's not 'ust fuel which — much as we can. and it's not 'ust fuel which you i much as we can. and it's not 'ust fuel which you both i much as we can. and it's not 'ust fuel which you both have in h much as we can. and it's notjust - fuelwhich you both have in common, fuel which you both have in common, you are looking for a fuel duty cut today, but you are growing vegetables as well so it is the cost of fertilisers and this kind of thing? of fertilisers and this kind of thin ? ~ ., , , . thing? we do, everything is included in this and fuel _ thing? we do, everything is included in this and fuel is _ thing? we do, everything is included in this and fuel is a _ thing? we do, everything is included in this and fuel is a big _ thing? we do, everything is included in this and fuel is a big thing - thing? we do, everything is included in this and fuel is a big thing but - in this and fuel is a big thing but also as— in this and fuel is a big thing but also as well it all fuel —related reatty — also as well it all fuel —related really. and it would help to get down, — really. and it would help to get down, the fuel duty. fire really. and it would help to get down, the fuel duty.— really. and it would help to get down, the fuel duty. are you passing this on to the — down, the fuel duty. are you passing this on to the customer? _ down, the fuel duty. are you passing this on to the customer? some - down, the fuel duty. are you passing this on to the customer? some of. down, the fuel duty. are you passing this on to the customer? some of it| this on to the customer? some of it but we try to _ this on to the customer? some of it but we try to keep _ this on to the customer? some of it but we try to keep our— this on to the customer? some of it but we try to keep our prices - this on to the customer? some of it but we try to keep our prices as - but we try to keep our prices as competitive as possible. what do the sa competitive as possible. what do they say to _ competitive as possible. what do they say to you — competitive as possible. what do they say to you when _ competitive as possible. what do they say to you when they - competitive as possible. what do they say to you when they come l competitive as possible. what do i they say to you when they come in? they're feeling the pinch? i they say to you when they come in? they're feeling the pinch?— they're feeling the pinch? i think eve bod they're feeling the pinch? i think everybody has — they're feeling the pinch? i think everybody has it _ they're feeling the pinch? i think everybody has it on _ they're feeling the pinch? i think everybody has it on their - they're feeling the pinch? i think everybody has it on their minds, | they're feeling the pinch? i think - everybody has it on their minds, and it's across _ everybody has it on their minds, and it's across the board, that's the trouble, — it's across the board, that's the trouble, notjust one item or another, _ trouble, notjust one item or another, it's board and affecting everything. another, it's board and affecting everything-— another, it's board and affecting eve hinu. ., . , ., everything. you have been here for over 70 years. _ everything. you have been here for over 70 years, you _ everything. you have been here for over 70 years, you don't _ everything. you have been here for over 70 years, you don't look - everything. you have been here for over 70 years, you don't look that l over 70 years, you don't look that old! have you ever known it this

bad? ., , , ., , bad? no, this is the worst thing i've seen while _ bad? no, this is the worst thing i've seen while i've _ bad? no, this is the worst thing i've seen while i've been - bad? no, this is the worst thing i've seen while i've been in - i've seen while i've been in business. _ i've seen while i've been in business, man and boy. thank you. dianne, business, man and boy. thank you. dianne. tell — business, man and boy. thank you. dianne, tell us _ business, man and boy. thank you. dianne, tell us about _ business, man and boy. thank you. dianne, tell us about the _ business, man and boy. thank you. dianne, tell us about the rise - business, man and boy. thank you. dianne, tell us about the rise in - dianne, tell us about the rise in diesel and how it has affected your business? ,, . ., business? since january it has gone u . business? since january it has gone u- third, business? since january it has gone up third, basically. _ business? since january it has gone up third, basically. each _ business? since january it has gone up third, basically. each week- business? since january it has gone up third, basically. each week the l up third, basically. each week the people _ up third, basically. each week the peopte send — up third, basically. each week the peopte send us— up third, basically. each week the peopte send us a _ up third, basically. each week the people send us a cost— up third, basically. each week the people send us a cost for- up third, basically. each week the people send us a cost for fuel- up third, basically. each week thej people send us a cost for fuel and it normally— people send us a cost for fuel and it normally has _ people send us a cost for fuel and it normally has been _ people send us a cost for fuel and it normally has been going - people send us a cost for fuel and it normally has been going up- people send us a cost for fuel and . it normally has been going up about 5p a week— it normally has been going up about 5p a week by— it normally has been going up about 5p a week by the _ it normally has been going up about 5p a week by the week— it normally has been going up about 5p a week by the week before - it normally has been going up about 5p a week by the week before last l it normally has been going up about 5p a week by the week before last it went up— 5p a week by the week before last it went up 1438— 5p a week by the week before last it went up 14.38 p— 5p a week by the week before last it went up 14.38 p in— 5p a week by the week before last it went up 14.38 p in one _ 5p a week by the week before last it went up 14.38 p in one week, - 5p a week by the week before last it went up 14.38 p in one week, and l 5p a week by the week before last it i went up 14.38 p in one week, and you 'ust went up 14.38 p in one week, and you just think. _ went up14.38 p in one week, and you just think. how— went up14.38 p in one week, and you just think. how do— went up 14.38 p in one week, and you just think, how do you _ went up 14.38 p in one week, and you just think, how do you manage - went up 14.38 p in one week, and you just think, how do you manage to - just think, how do you manage to manage _ just think, how do you manage to manage this, _ just think, how do you manage to manage this, basically? - just think, how do you manage to manage this, basically? find- just think, how do you manage to manage this, basically?— just think, how do you manage to manage this, basically? and how do ou? what manage this, basically? and how do you? what are _ manage this, basically? and how do you? what are you _ manage this, basically? and how do you? what are you doing? - manage this, basically? and how do you? what are you doing? we - manage this, basically? and how do i you? what are you doing? we decided at the family. — you? what are you doing? we decided at the family, because _ you? what are you doing? we decided at the family, because we _ you? what are you doing? we decided at the family, because we are - you? what are you doing? we decided at the family, because we are a - at the family, because we are a family— at the family, because we are a family -based _ at the family, because we are a family —based company, - at the family, because we are a family —based company, that. at the family, because we are al family —based company, that we needed — family —based company, that we needed to— family —based company, that we needed to put— family —based company, that we needed to put a _ family —based company, that we needed to put a fuel— family —based company, that we needed to put a fuel surcharge l family —based company, that we. needed to put a fuel surcharge on each _ needed to put a fuel surcharge on each invoice. _ needed to put a fuel surcharge on each invoice, as— needed to put a fuel surcharge on each invoice, as a _ needed to put a fuel surcharge on each invoice, as a separate - needed to put a fuel surcharge on each invoice, as a separate line, i each invoice, as a separate line, not as— each invoice, as a separate line, not as a — each invoice, as a separate line, not as a cost— each invoice, as a separate line, not as a cost for— each invoice, as a separate line, not as a cost for a _ each invoice, as a separate line, not as a cost for a job _ each invoice, as a separate line, i not as a cost for a job completed, as a separate _ not as a cost for a job completed, as a separate line _ not as a cost for a job completed, as a separate line at _ not as a cost for a job completed, as a separate line at the - not as a cost for a job completed, as a separate line at the bottom. | as a separate line at the bottom. luckily _ as a separate line at the bottom. luckily for— as a separate line at the bottom. luckily for us, _ as a separate line at the bottom. luckily for us, most _ as a separate line at the bottom. luckily for us, most of _ as a separate line at the bottom. luckily for us, most of our -

luckily for us, most of our customers— luckily for us, most of our customers understood. i luckily for us, most of our customers understood. ai luckily for us, most of our i customers understood. a few luckily for us, most of our - customers understood. a few did luckily for us, most of our _ customers understood. a few did not and if— customers understood. a few did not and if you _ customers understood. a few did not and if you said. — customers understood. a few did not and if you said, you _ customers understood. a few did not and if you said, you know, _ customers understood. a few did not and if you said, you know, can't i customers understood. a few did not and if you said, you know, can't youi and if you said, you know, can't you add it— and if you said, you know, can't you add it to _ and if you said, you know, can't you add it to boot— and if you said, you know, can't you add it to bootjob, _ and if you said, you know, can't you add it to bootjob, blah _ and if you said, you know, can't you add it to bootjob, blah blah - and if you said, you know, can't you add it to bootjob, blah blah blah? i add it to bootjob, blah blah blah? and i_ add it to bootjob, blah blah blah? and i said — add it to bootjob, blah blah blah? and i said no — add it to bootjob, blah blah blah? and i said no because _ add it to bootjob, blah blah blah? and i said no because then - add it to bootjob, blah blah blah? and i said no because then we i add it to bootjob, blah blah blah? and i said no because then we are| and i said no because then we are pricing _ and i said no because then we are pricing ourselves _ and i said no because then we are pricing ourselves out _ and i said no because then we are pricing ourselves out of _ and i said no because then we are pricing ourselves out of the - and i said no because then we are l pricing ourselves out of the market. they are _ pricing ourselves out of the market. they are happy— pricing ourselves out of the market. they are happy with _ pricing ourselves out of the market. they are happy with that? _ pricing ourselves out of the market. they are happy with that? the? i pricing ourselves out of the market. they are happy with that? they are, i don't they are happy with that? they are, i don't think— they are happy with that? they are, i don't think anybody _ they are happy with that? they are, i don't think anybody was _ they are happy with that? they are, i don't think anybody was happy i they are happy with that? they are, | i don't think anybody was happy with it but_ i don't think anybody was happy with it but yes _ i don't think anybody was happy with it but yes you— i don't think anybody was happy with it but es. a, a, i don't think anybody was happy with it but es. s, a, so a, it but yes. you are facing a national — it but yes. you are facing a national insurance - it but yes. you are facing a - national insurance contribution increases as well. national living wage, how will you manage that? that's just an extra cost you got to live with _ that's just an extra cost you got to live with as— that's just an extra cost you got to live with as far _ that's just an extra cost you got to live with as far as _ that's just an extra cost you got to live with as far as we _ that's just an extra cost you got to live with as far as we can. - that's just an extra cost you got to live with as far as we can. i- that's just an extra cost you got to live with as far as we can. i don't l live with as far as we can. i don't know— live with as far as we can. i don't know how— live with as far as we can. i don't know how else _ live with as far as we can. i don't know how else we _ live with as far as we can. i don't know how else we can _ live with as far as we can. i don't know how else we can put - live with as far as we can. i don't know how else we can put our i live with as far as we can. i don't i know how else we can put our costs up know how else we can put our costs up without — know how else we can put our costs up without pricing _ know how else we can put our costs up without pricing ourselves - know how else we can put our costs up without pricing ourselves out - know how else we can put our costs up without pricing ourselves out ofl up without pricing ourselves out of the market — up without pricing ourselves out of the market. and _ up without pricing ourselves out of the market. and the _ up without pricing ourselves out of the market. and the situation- up without pricing ourselves out of the market. and the situation with p&0 the market. and the situation with p80 hasn't — the market. and the situation with p80 hasn't helped _ the market. and the situation with p80 hasn't helped because - the market. and the situation with p80 hasn't helped because we - the market. and the situation with p80 hasn't helped because we do| the market. and the situation withl p80 hasn't helped because we do a lot of— p80 hasn't helped because we do a lot of european _ p80 hasn't helped because we do a lot of european work— p80 hasn't helped because we do a lot of european work and _ p80 hasn't helped because we do a lot of european work and we - p80 hasn't helped because we do a lot of european work and we used l lot of european work and we used five or— lot of european work and we used five or six— lot of european work and we used five or six of— lot of european work and we used five or six of their— lot of european work and we used five or six of their ferries - lot of european work and we used five or six of their ferries a - lot of european work and we used five or six of their ferries a week. five or six of their ferries a week and we — five or six of their ferries a week and we might— five or six of their ferries a week and we might now— five or six of their ferries a week and we might now get _ five or six of their ferries a week and we might now get one - five or six of their ferries a week i and we might now get one because it's very. _ and we might now get one because it's very, it's a sad _ and we might now get one because it's very, it's a sad affair— and we might now get one because it's very, it's a sad affair that. - it's very, it's a sad affair that. but _ it's very, it's a sad affair that. but we — it's very, it's a sad affair that. but we have _ it's very, it's a sad affair that. but we have gone _ it's very, it's a sad affair that. but we have gone on- it's very, it's a sad affair that. but we have gone on with - it's very, it's a sad affair that. - but we have gone on with sendlein and there — but we have gone on with sendlein and there was _ but we have gone on with sendlein and there was the _ but we have gone on with sendlein and there was the fts _ but we have gone on with sendlein and there was the fts and - but we have gone on with sendlein and there was the fts and i - but we have gone on with sendlein and there was the fts and i have l and there was the fts and i have competent— and there was the fts and i have competent staff _ and there was the fts and i have competent staff in _ and there was the fts and i have competent staff in the _ and there was the fts and i have competent staff in the office... l

and there was the fts and i have . competent staff in the office... you are juggling — competent staff in the office... are juggling things? competent staff in the office... you are juggling things? yes, _ competent staff in the office... you are juggling things? yes, with - are 'uggling things? yes, with them, so are juggling things? yes, with them, so we are managing. _ are juggling things? yes, with them, so we are managing. a _ are juggling things? yes, with them, so we are managing. a question - are juggling things? yes, with them, so we are managing. a question to i so we are managing. a question to both of you. _ so we are managing. a question to both of you. the — so we are managing. a question to both of you, the chancellor - so we are managing. a question to both of you, the chancellor had - so we are managing. a question to both of you, the chancellor had to | both of you, the chancellor had to set out where he is having to spend money, the nhs, social care, defence perhaps. because you are facing an increase in national insurance contributions are you willing to grit your teeth and where would you like to see that money go? i think the majority of it will go to the — i think the majority of it will go to the nhs, _ i think the majority of it will go to the nhs, but— i think the majority of it will go to the nhs, but |_ i think the majority of it will go to the nhs, but i would - i think the majority of it will go to the nhs, but i would say- i think the majority of it will go. to the nhs, but i would say with i think the majority of it will go - to the nhs, but i would say with the way the _ to the nhs, but i would say with the way the world — to the nhs, but i would say with the way the world is— to the nhs, but i would say with the way the world is at _ to the nhs, but i would say with the way the world is at the _ to the nhs, but i would say with the way the world is at the moment, - to the nhs, but i would say with the way the world is at the moment, it's going _ way the world is at the moment, it's going to _ way the world is at the moment, it's going to have — way the world is at the moment, it's going to have to _ way the world is at the moment, it's going to have to go _ way the world is at the moment, it's going to have to go to _ way the world is at the moment, it's going to have to go to defence - going to have to go to defence surety— going to have to go to defence surely because _ going to have to go to defence surely because they _ going to have to go to defence surely because they must - going to have to go to defence surely because they must be l going to have to go to defence - surely because they must be doing something — surely because they must be doing something about _ surely because they must be doing something about ukraine. - surely because they must be doing something about ukraine. that- surely because they must be doing something about ukraine.- something about ukraine. that is where ou something about ukraine. that is where you want _ something about ukraine. that is where you want the _ something about ukraine. that is where you want the money - something about ukraine. that is where you want the money to - something about ukraine. that is where you want the money to be | where you want the money to be spent? where you want the money to be sent? ., , where you want the money to be sent? . , ., where you want the money to be sent? ., , ., 4' spent? that is where i would like mone to spent? that is where i would like money to be _ spent? that is where i would like money to be spent, _ spent? that is where i would like money to be spent, yes. - spent? that is where i would like money to be spent, yes. what i spent? that is where i would like - money to be spent, yes. what about ou? blue money to be spent, yes. what about you? blue fuel— money to be spent, yes. what about you? blue fuel duty _ money to be spent, yes. what about you? blue fuel duty is _ money to be spent, yes. what about you? blue fuel duty is important - you? blue fuel duty is important because across the board it touches everything, but defence should be looked at. it's important to keep us

safe. thank you both forjoining us this morning. the statement due in about an hour, and here in darlington where part of the treasury will be based on a couple of years, people will be watching that statement very closely. will be watching that statement very closel . ., , ., will be watching that statement very closel . . , ., , will be watching that statement very closel . . , . , closely. that is a very good point fiona, closely. that is a very good point fiona. thank— closely. that is a very good point fiona, thank you _ closely. that is a very good point fiona, thank you to _ closely. that is a very good point fiona, thank you to you - closely. that is a very good point fiona, thank you to you and - closely. that is a very good point fiona, thank you to you and yourj fiona, thank you to you and your guest in darlington. interesting that they mentioned defence spending. the foreign secretary has been keen on that going up but if we stick with food prices for the moment because "never known it this bad", having to pass on the increases in prices to consumers, which is understandable, but that has been further exacerbated by the war in ukraine too because it is one of the world's largest grain exporters. of the world's largest grain exp°fte"s-_ of the world's largest grain exorters. , ., , exporters. absolutely and people were looking _ exporters. absolutely and people were looking at _ exporters. absolutely and people were looking at what _ exporters. absolutely and people were looking at what was - exporters. absolutely and people i were looking at what was happening to food prices since the summer and it wasn't registering as having gone up it wasn't registering as having gone up across the piste but that is now.

it's worth just... up across the piste but that is now. it's worthjust... i have been looking at markets and it's interesting just how willing people are to talk about how tough things are to talk about how tough things are in terms of the array of prices going up. i have been reporting on the government for 20 years, and brits don't like to talk about our personal finances but people are, possibly because they feel it is an external shock that has hit everybody. not equally but it has hit people similarly. everyone can see what's going on and do things they buy. food prices, it is now coming through in the numbers. we saw some food availability is last year, but the prices are coming through quite significantly and then thatis through quite significantly and then that is before the russia ukraine shock. they are important notjust in terms of weight but fertiliser, which is a cost that then goes into all food prices. record food prices we have seen, wheat prices. we don't

get much of our wheat directly into the uk but it's a serious issue now for developing countries and the middle east. when food prices were this high across the world before, we had the arab spring. we have a series of price rises on every single major staple that is highly significant affecting the whole world at the same time. i significant affecting the whole world at the same time.- significant affecting the whole world at the same time. i was at a otato world at the same time. i was at a potato farm _ world at the same time. i was at a potato farm a _ world at the same time. i was at a potato farm a couple _ world at the same time. i was at a potato farm a couple of _ world at the same time. i was at a potato farm a couple of weeks - world at the same time. i was at a l potato farm a couple of weeks ago, and fertiliser had tripled which meant — and fertiliser had tripled which meant he wouldn't be so an entire fields— meant he wouldn't be so an entire fields of— meant he wouldn't be so an entire fields of potatoes. fertiliser is incredibly affected by the gas rise and we _ incredibly affected by the gas rise and we know what has happened to that so _ and we know what has happened to that so everywhere you look we are seeing _ that so everywhere you look we are seeing inflationary pressures. but the seeing inflationary pressures. emit the chancellor can't lay everything at the door of the invasion into ukraine. ., , , , ., ukraine. no, because the squeeze on --eole's ukraine. no, because the squeeze on people's pockets _ ukraine. no, because the squeeze on people's pockets was _ ukraine. no, because the squeeze on people's pockets was coming - ukraine. no, because the squeeze on people's pockets was coming long - people's pockets was coming long before _ people's pockets was coming long before the — people's pockets was coming long before the russian _ people's pockets was coming long before the russian invasion. - people's pockets was coming longl before the russian invasion. there is no _ before the russian invasion. there is no doubt — before the russian invasion. there is no doubt whatsoever— before the russian invasion. there is no doubt whatsoever it - before the russian invasion. there is no doubt whatsoever it has - is no doubt whatsoever it has exacerbated _ is no doubt whatsoever it has exacerbated that _ is no doubt whatsoever it has exacerbated that trend, - is no doubt whatsoever it has -

exacerbated that trend, absolutely no exacerbated that trend, absolutely ho question— exacerbated that trend, absolutely no question about _ exacerbated that trend, absolutely no question about that, _ exacerbated that trend, absolutely no question about that, but - exacerbated that trend, absolutely no question about that, but this i no question about that, but this issue _ no question about that, but this issue has— no question about that, but this issue has been— no question about that, but this issue has been looming - no question about that, but this issue has been looming for- no question about that, but this issue has been looming for a i no question about that, but this i issue has been looming for a long time _ issue has been looming for a long time it's— issue has been looming for a long time. it's interesting _ issue has been looming for a long time. it's interesting actually- issue has been looming for a long time. it's interesting actually in. time. it's interesting actually in goverhmeht_ time. it's interesting actually in government there _ time. it's interesting actually in government there were - time. it's interesting actually in government there were people | time. it's interesting actually in- government there were people who were prepared _ government there were people who were prepared to— government there were people who were prepared to engage _ government there were people who were prepared to engage in - were prepared to engage in discussion— were prepared to engage in discussion around - were prepared to engage in discussion around it - were prepared to engage in discussion around it for i were prepared to engage in. discussion around it for quite sometime _ discussion around it for quite sometime and _ discussion around it for quite sometime and there - discussion around it for quite sometime and there were i discussion around it for quite i sometime and there were people discussion around it for quite - sometime and there were people who either— sometime and there were people who either wahted — sometime and there were people who either wanted to— sometime and there were people who either wanted to stick— sometime and there were people who either wanted to stick their _ sometime and there were people who either wanted to stick their fingers i either wanted to stick their fingers in their— either wanted to stick their fingers in their areas— either wanted to stick their fingers in theirareas or— either wanted to stick their fingers in their areas or maintain - either wanted to stick their fingers in their areas or maintain it- either wanted to stick their fingers in their areas or maintain it wasn't| in their areas or maintain it wasn't a problem — in their areas or maintain it wasn't a problem it— in their areas or maintain it wasn't a problem it was— in their areas or maintain it wasn't a problem. it was not— in their areas or maintain it wasn't a problem. it was not one - in their areas or maintain it wasn't a problem. it was not one of- in their areas or maintain it wasn't a problem. it was not one of the l a problem. it was not one of the things— a problem. it was not one of the things there _ a problem. it was not one of the things there was _ a problem. it was not one of the things there was division - a problem. it was not one of the. things there was division between number— things there was division between number teh — things there was division between numberten and _ things there was division between numberten and number- things there was division between numberten and number" - things there was division between number ten and number 11 on. if| things there was division between i number ten and number 11 on. if you numberten and number" on. if you look numberten and number" on. if you tookat— numberten and number" on. if you tookatthe— number ten and number 11 on. if you look at the archives _ number ten and number 11 on. if you look at the archives at _ number ten and number 11 on. if you look at the archives at the _ number ten and number 11 on. if you look at the archives at the end - number ten and number 11 on. if you look at the archives at the end of i look at the archives at the end of 2020. _ look at the archives at the end of 2020, the — look at the archives at the end of 2020, the chancellor— look at the archives at the end of 2020, the chancellor at - look at the archives at the end of 2020, the chancellor at that i look at the archives at the end ofl 2020, the chancellor at that point was saying — 2020, the chancellor at that point was saying wheh _ 2020, the chancellor at that point was saying when we _ 2020, the chancellor at that point was saying when we get _ 2020, the chancellor at that point was saying when we get out - 2020, the chancellor at that point was saying when we get out of- 2020, the chancellor at that point. was saying when we get out of this, ihftatioh _ was saying when we get out of this, ihftatioh might— was saying when we get out of this, inflation might be _ was saying when we get out of this, inflation might be a _ was saying when we get out of this, inflation might be a thing. - was saying when we get out of this, inflation might be a thing. we - was saying when we get out of this, inflation might be a thing. we have| inflation might be a thing. we have had huge _ inflation might be a thing. we have had huge spending _ inflation might be a thing. we have had huge spending and _ inflation might be a thing. we have had huge spending and borrowing i inflation might be a thing. we have| had huge spending and borrowing to .et had huge spending and borrowing to get out _ had huge spending and borrowing to get out of— had huge spending and borrowing to get out of the — had huge spending and borrowing to get out of the pandemic, _ had huge spending and borrowing to get out of the pandemic, and - had huge spending and borrowing to get out of the pandemic, and he i get out of the pandemic, and he flagged — get out of the pandemic, and he flagged a — get out of the pandemic, and he flagged a possible _ get out of the pandemic, and he flagged a possible problem i get out of the pandemic, and he flagged a possible problem with| flagged a possible problem with ihftatiom — flagged a possible problem with inflation. even— flagged a possible problem with inflation. even this _ flagged a possible problem with inflation. even this autumn i flagged a possible problem with inflation. even this autumn his. inflation. even this autumn his critics— inflation. even this autumn his critics witt _ inflation. even this autumn his critics will point _ inflation. even this autumn his critics will point out _ inflation. even this autumn his critics will point out the - inflation. even this autumn his critics will point out the primel critics will point out the prime mihister— critics will point out the prime minister at _ critics will point out the prime minister at that— critics will point out the prime minister at that point - critics will point out the prime minister at that point was i critics will point out the prime i minister at that point was saying there _ minister at that point was saying there would _ minister at that point was saying there would be _ minister at that point was saying there would be creaks _ minister at that point was saying there would be creaks and - minister at that point was saying l there would be creaks and groans minister at that point was saying i there would be creaks and groans as we get _ there would be creaks and groans as we get through — there would be creaks and groans as we get through the _ there would be creaks and groans as we get through the pandemic - there would be creaks and groans as we get through the pandemic but i there would be creaks and groans as| we get through the pandemic but i'm not really— we get through the pandemic but i'm not really worried _ we get through the pandemic but i'm not really worried about _ we get through the pandemic but i'm not really worried about inflation i not really worried about inflation coming — not really worried about inflation coming spin— not really worried about inflation coming spin on— not really worried about inflation coming. spin on six— not really worried about inflation coming. spin on six months, i not really worried about inflation coming. spin on six months, we| not really worried about inflation i coming. spin on six months, we are in this— coming. spin on six months, we are in this situation _ coming. spin on six months, we are in this situation where _ coming. spin on six months, we are in this situation where it _ coming. spin on six months, we are in this situation where it is - coming. spin on six months, we are in this situation where it is so - in this situation where it is so acute — in this situation where it is so acute~ dont— in this situation where it is so acute. don't forget, - in this situation where it is so acute. don't forget, for- in this situation where it is so i acute. don't forget, for politicians to ruhawav— acute. don't forget, for politicians to runaway inflation _ acute. don't forget, for politicians to runaway inflation is— acute. don't forget, for politicians to runaway inflation is a _

acute. don't forget, for politicians. to runaway inflation is a nightmare. whatever— to runaway inflation is a nightmare. whatever kihd _ to runaway inflation is a nightmare. whatever kind of _ to runaway inflation is a nightmare. whatever kind of government - to runaway inflation is a nightmare. whatever kind of government it i to runaway inflation is a nightmare. whatever kind of government it is, | whatever kind of government it is, it is a _ whatever kind of government it is, it is a huge — whatever kind of government it is, it is a huge beast _ whatever kind of government it is, it is a huge beast that _ whatever kind of government it is, it is a huge beast that is— whatever kind of government it is, it is a huge beast that is difficult. it is a huge beast that is difficult to tame — it is a huge beast that is difficult to tame~ [— it is a huge beast that is difficult to tame. . , it is a huge beast that is difficult to tame. ., ., ., to tame. i was going to say, difficult to — to tame. i was going to say, difficult to control, - to tame. i was going to say, difficult to control, and i to tame. i was going to say, difficult to control, and that| difficult to control, and that shock, the most recent one, the ukraine rages on. we have been speaking on politics live over the last couple of days particularly about the devastation in the port city of mariupol for example. yesterday a report from my colleague andrew harding, we can show you pictures from the town where ukrainians have had some success in pushing back russians when they were rolling the tanks into the town. but overall it could be the case that this war rages on for weeks and months to come and week until —— we continue to feel the consequences. let's bring injames landale because there is also a diplomatic push in there is also a diplomatic push in the next couple of days. tell us.

there is a big meeting in brussels, nato leaders, g7 and eu leaders, joe biden will be there. it is how do they sustain what they have already done, how do they maintain unity, increasing sanctions and enforcing existing ones. how can they maintain the pressure on russia at the same time as maintaining the military support which we know ukraine desperately needs. they are running out of munitions at the moment, how can they do that, so there's a lot to discuss. three and a half weeks in, how do we sustain that without reaching western fatigue. bind in, how do we sustain that without reaching western fatigue. band” in, how do we sustain that without reaching western fatigue. and i we seeinu reaching western fatigue. and i we seeing some _ reaching western fatigue. and i we seeing some fracturing _ reaching western fatigue. and i we seeing some fracturing among i reaching western fatigue. and i we | seeing some fracturing among some countries about how much further they are prepared to go with russian sanctions, particularly when it comes to russian oil?- sanctions, particularly when it comes to russian oil? there are definitely divisions, _ comes to russian oil? there are definitely divisions, there i comes to russian oil? there are definitely divisions, there have i definitely divisions, there have been all along about this. up until

now there's been an understanding. americans are not dependent on russian gas, they understand we need to cut our cloth accordingly but there are open divisions between them parts of europe saying we have to simply look notjust at them parts of europe saying we have to simply look not just at targeting oligarchs, we need to target particularly oil specifically is where the focus is now. the germans are very explicit saying we cannot simply turn this off because of the economic impact and political impact and social impact in germany. so there is a division but we are reaching a point where people are saying no, the west has to pay an economic cost. that ultimately is notjust economic cost. that ultimately is not just them economic cost. that ultimately is notjust them but us as well. not 'ust them but us as well. that's the notjust them but us as well. that's the interesting _ notjust them but us as well. that's the interesting thing, _ notjust them but us as well. that's the interesting thing, it's _ notjust them but us as well. that's the interesting thing, it's about i the interesting thing, it's about the interesting thing, it's about the cost here that are people prepared for if it does go on for weeks. . ., . , weeks. even if the conflict itself, which at the _ weeks. even if the conflict itself, which at the moment _ weeks. even if the conflict itself, which at the moment the - weeks. even if the conflict itself, i which at the moment the consensus is this sort of stasis will continue our russian bombardment and ukrainian resistance is the most

likely medium to short term continuation. even if that diminishes over time and there is some kind of political settlement, there will continue to be a view that says russia needs to be taking restricted economically and we must pay the price for that. let’s restricted economically and we must pay the price for that.— pay the price for that. let's have a discussion — pay the price for that. let's have a discussion about _ pay the price for that. let's have a discussion about energy _ pay the price for that. let's have a discussion about energy security l discussion about energy security because that is something the government and boris johnson because that is something the government and borisjohnson has been talking about trying to bring allies on. we are expecting an announcement, a broad announcement on that. it's been slightly delayed but laura, perhaps you would take us through this particular story because of the cabinet meeting as well. i think we can show you from the bbc news website... but energy security could take time? yes, notjust because building any kind of new energy facility obviously takes a very very long time. also it takes a long time for

successive governments i think many people would agree. how many times have we discussed new nuclear and the controversy around that. this specific story though is about relaxing the rules on onshore wind. we know the business secretary kwasi kwarteng who with downing street is charged with coming up with a new energy strategy, he wants charged with coming up with a new energy strategy, he wants to charged with coming up with a new energy strategy, he wants to say look, we have to look at everything basically, and that should include wind farms potentially on beautiful parts of the country that used to drive the tory shire is absolutely mad. the conservatives have definitely had this on pause, focusing instead on offshore wind, so putting huge turbines in the sea. what kwasi kwarteng wants that back on the table for discussion. as one of my colleagues discovered, there is a split in the cabinet about that and some cabinet ministers, and i can assure you many conservatives would be deeply unhappy about the idea of looking again at putting turbines on land in the uk. the

point of the business secretary's team would make and some in downing street would make is that given everything we have talked about, you have to look at all the options including bringing back a proper look at fracking. i including bringing back a proper look at fracking._ including bringing back a proper look at fracking. i was going to say because fracking _ look at fracking. i was going to say because fracking was _ look at fracking. i was going to say because fracking was ruled - look at fracking. i was going to say because fracking was ruled out, i because fracking was ruled out, wasn't it? , , , wasn't it? yes, but wherever they end u- wasn't it? yes, but wherever they end up on — wasn't it? yes, but wherever they end up on the _ wasn't it? yes, but wherever they end up on the energy _ wasn't it? yes, but wherever they end up on the energy strategy, i wasn't it? yes, but wherever they l end up on the energy strategy, they don't have overnight solutions. either here for the rest of europe as james was saying. either here for the rest of europe asjames was saying. irate either here for the rest of europe as james was saying.— either here for the rest of europe as james was saying. we saw shell chan . e its as james was saying. we saw shell change its mind _ as james was saying. we saw shell change its mind about _ as james was saying. we saw shell change its mind about whether i as james was saying. we saw shell change its mind about whether it i change its mind about whether it would _ change its mind about whether it would change its mind in its stake in an— would change its mind in its stake in an oil— would change its mind in its stake in an oil field off shetland because they can _ in an oil field off shetland because they can see clearly they took the decision— they can see clearly they took the decision to — they can see clearly they took the decision to pull out of it after c0p26~ — decision to pull out of it after cop26. what a different world we are livin- cop26. what a different world we are living in _ cop26. what a different world we are living in right now. they think the political— living in right now. they think the political environment and regulatory environment will change. i'm sure we will hear— environment will change. i'm sure we will hear next week about making the most of _ will hear next week about making the most of domestic oil and gas resources, taking big bets on new

nuclear— resources, taking big bets on new nuclear big — resources, taking big bets on new nuclear big and small, bigger bets than the _ nuclear big and small, bigger bets than the treasury feel comfortable with which is why it has been delayed. _ with which is why it has been delayed, but i think he will allude to that _ delayed, but i think he will allude to that in — delayed, but i think he will allude to that in saying we need to get some _ to that in saying we need to get some energy independence. in terms of net zero. — some energy independence. in terms of net zero, there _ some energy independence. in terms of net zero, there is _ some energy independence. in terms of net zero, there is this _ some energy independence. in terms of net zero, there is this now - of net zero, there is this now growing political tension, i don't want to overstate it, in terms of what should the transition look like two net zero? should we continue for longer with muscle fuels, the sort of exploration we have been talking about? 0r of exploration we have been talking about? or can we continue apace for renewable energy when we have this crisis ongoing in ukraine? it’s crisis ongoing in ukraine? it's alwa s crisis ongoing in ukraine? it's always worth _ crisis ongoing in ukraine? it�*s always worth taking a step back sometimes and we could have had the same conversation about 15 years ago. it is not a failure of public policy that this hasn't been dealt with really. dependence on unstable non—democracies for our energy, on top of difficulties around climate

change. the obvious solution is obviously better insulation, better energy efficiency. we have a terribly inefficient housing stock for example. progress on this is totally sealed. you could make a difference over 15 years but not much difference has been made. the honest answer right now is someone has to pay. we are all going to pay in terms of bills because of the lack of access of europe to russian energy, but some people politically might have to pay in terms of their attitude to large structures in beautiful places because the reality is, after the bills start hitting people's e—mail accounts and their doormats which is going to be from this week onwards, as i think a lot of people will be asking why... especially for renewable energy, which is quite cheap now, wondering why their bills are not cheaper. the interesting thing is in terms of the economic attack on russia is that they have gained the money back.

they sanctioned the central back, which disarmed their war chest of hundreds of billions of dollars. it hundreds of billions of dollars. it seems hugely dramatic. yes, i hundreds of billions of dollars. it| seems hugely dramatic. yes, and hundreds of billions of dollars. it i seems hugely dramatic. yes, and they have filled that _ seems hugely dramatic. yes, and they have filled that back _ seems hugely dramatic. yes, and they have filled that back up _ seems hugely dramatic. yes, and they have filled that back up with _ seems hugely dramatic. yes, and they have filled that back up with oil i have filled that back up with oil and gas money, and that is the issue. so if you want to pressurise the russians, you do have to do something on energy. frankly even us with oil, we have said we are going to wait a year because the fact is we import about a —— our diesel from russia, oil imports i should say, about 20% of what we use so the question is what we can tolerate in terms of higher prices by switching off the flow of cash going to the kremlin funding the war.- off the flow of cash going to the kremlin funding the war. these are the decisions _ kremlin funding the war. these are the decisions that _ kremlin funding the war. these are the decisions that will _ kremlin funding the war. these are the decisions that will be _ kremlin funding the war. these are the decisions that will be made i kremlin funding the war. these are | the decisions that will be made over the decisions that will be made over the next few days and weeks. i the decisions that will be made over the next few days and weeks. i would be very surprised _ the next few days and weeks. i would be very surprised if _ the next few days and weeks. i would be very surprised if they _ the next few days and weeks. i would be very surprised if they make i the next few days and weeks. i would be very surprised if they make final. be very surprised if they make final decisions _ be very surprised if they make final decisions in — be very surprised if they make final decisions in the next few days but this is— decisions in the next few days but this is the — decisions in the next few days but this is the issue they will have to take -- —

this is the issue they will have to take -- talk— this is the issue they will have to take —— talk about long—term now. as well as— take —— talk about long—term now. as well as dealing with the humanitarian crisis, they are certainly— humanitarian crisis, they are certainly thinking now about how long—term they deal with these issues — long—term they deal with these issues. and the simple fact now that as we _ issues. and the simple fact now that as we have _ issues. and the simple fact now that as we have been discussing, energy and global— as we have been discussing, energy and global economics is now bound up with security in a way it hasn't been — with security in a way it hasn't been at — with security in a way it hasn't been at least viewed for a long time now _ been at least viewed for a long time now so _ been at least viewed for a long time now. so these debates we are seeing, within— now. so these debates we are seeing, within the _ now. so these debates we are seeing, within the government the divisions over defence spending, the chancellor making it clear at the weekend — chancellor making it clear at the weekend that he is cautious, but the foreign— weekend that he is cautious, but the foreign secretary in speeches saying what about 5%, that was our spending on defence _ what about 5%, that was our spending on defence during the cold war. those _ on defence during the cold war. those debate too are where we are at the long _ those debate too are where we are at the long term because these issues are tied _ the long term because these issues are tied together. thank you. we will return to the heart of parliament because we can talk to the labour mp and member of the treasury select committee dame angela eagle and conservative mp and formerjustice secretary sir robert buckland. welcome to both of you

before pmqs and the statement. robert, let's talk about the windfall tax labour have been proposing for some time, on the profits of energy companies to help out consumers in this cost of living crisis. would you support the government doing that? hie. crisis. would you support the government doing that? no, i think it's a mistaken _ government doing that? no, i think it's a mistaken approach _ government doing that? no, i think it's a mistaken approach and - government doing that? no, i think it's a mistaken approach and i - government doing that? no, i think it's a mistaken approach and i think} it's a mistaken approach and i think it's a mistaken approach and i think it would lead to higher costs being transferred inevitably on to consumers. we need an industry that invests in research and development, just the sort of transformation you have been talking about, and i think it is that type of heavy handed approach which willjust not work. heavy—handed approach, angela? hie. i heavy-handed approach, angela? no, i think if we look— heavy-handed approach, angela? no, i think if we look at _ heavy-handed approach, angela? no, i think if we look at the _ heavy-handed approach, angela? no, i think if we look at the oil _ heavy—handed approach, angela? no, i think if we look at the oil and gas industry— think if we look at the oil and gas industry are making vast, unearned profits— industry are making vast, unearned profits at— industry are making vast, unearned profits at the moment because of the volatility— profits at the moment because of the volatility and a huge increase in oil prices, — volatility and a huge increase in oil prices, their costs have not increased. _ oil prices, their costs have not increased, they could carry on investing~ _ increased, they could carry on investing. they are spending all their— investing. they are spending all their spare money on share buy—backs because _ their spare money on share buy—backs because they don't know what to do with it _ because they don't know what to do

with it but _ because they don't know what to do with it but a — because they don't know what to do with it put a one—off windfall tax to help — with it put a one—off windfall tax to help households and individuals through— to help households and individuals through this huge cost of living squeeze — through this huge cost of living squeeze is exactly the right policy. i am squeeze is exactly the right policy. i am a _ squeeze is exactly the right policy. i am a bit — squeeze is exactly the right policy. i am a bit disappointed that robert does not _ i am a bit disappointed that robert does not agree. gnly i am a bit disappointed that robert does not agree.— does not agree. only a bit disappointed! _ does not agree. only a bit disappointed! i— does not agree. only a bit disappointed! i have - does not agree. only a bit i disappointed! i have certain expectations! _ disappointed! i have certain expectations! you're - disappointed! i have certain expectations! you're not. disappointed! i have certain - expectations! you're not meeting them, expectations! you're not meeting them. robert! — expectations! you're not meeting them, robert! but— expectations! you're not meeting them, robert! but you _ expectations! you're not meeting them, robert! but you admit - expectations! you're not meeting| them, robert! but you admit that expectations! you're not meeting - them, robert! but you admit that the vast majority of the labour plan, i think £600 you would like to give household, would not be funded by the windfall tax but by the extra money we were talking about earlier on the programme that has emerged through better than expected tax receipts. is it really wise to be spending that when growth is pretty sluggish and we don't know exactly how much there could be available? yes, it is, because households are going _ yes, it is, because households are going to _ yes, it is, because households are going to have a really, really tough time in _ going to have a really, really tough time in the — going to have a really, really tough time in the next year or so with this cost— time in the next year or so with this cost of— time in the next year or so with this cost of living squeeze, made worse _ this cost of living squeeze, made worse by— this cost of living squeeze, made worse by the chancellor's astonishing decision to increase nationat— astonishing decision to increase national insurance contributions and

have tax _ national insurance contributions and have tax rates go up just when the squeeze _ have tax rates go up just when the squeeze is — have tax rates go up just when the squeeze is at its greatest. it is really— squeeze is at its greatest. it is really important that we help households who are on very fixed pay rates through this very difficult time — rates through this very difficult time. inflation at 6.2% today, up from _ time. inflation at 6.2% today, up from 5~5%. — time. inflation at 6.2% today, up from 5.5%, rpi inflation, which takes _ from 5.5%, rpi inflation, which takes it— from 5.5%, rpi inflation, which takes it out of people's housing costs _ takes it out of people's housing costs and — takes it out of people's housing costs and really affects people come up costs and really affects people come up at 82% _ costs and really affects people come up at 8.2% and likely to go higher. if up at 8.2% and likely to go higher. if we _ up at 8.2% and likely to go higher. if we are _ up at 8.2% and likely to go higher. if we are to— up at 8.2% and likely to go higher. if we are to help people through this very— if we are to help people through this very difficult time, the time to help — this very difficult time, the time to help them is now.— this very difficult time, the time to help them is now. angela has set it out again. — to help them is now. angela has set it out again. we _ to help them is now. angela has set it out again, we cannot _ to help them is now. angela has set it out again, we cannot emphasise l to help them is now. angela has set| it out again, we cannot emphasise or overemphasise that inflation rate and prices going up, so why is now the right time to introduce taxes and raise them? i the right time to introduce taxes and raise them?— and raise them? i think the government _ and raise them? i think the government has _ and raise them? i think the government has very - and raise them? i think the government has very little | and raise them? i think the - government has very little room for manoeuvre. it was right to make a decision to seek to fund notjust the claimants are backlogs in our nhs but also to try to fix the

social care crisis and that is where the brave and principled decision was made last september while i was still in cabinet to do this. is it still in cabinet to do this. is it still in cabinet to do this. is it still the right _ still in cabinet to do this. is it still the right time? _ still in cabinet to do this. is it still the right time? a - still in cabinet to do this. is it - still the right time? a responsible chancellor has _ still the right time? a responsible chancellor has to _ still the right time? a responsible chancellor has to acknowledge . still the right time? a responsible i chancellor has to acknowledge there are times when taxes go up as well as down, that is part of what being as down, that is part of what being a frisky quual —— fiscal conservative is all about. i think there was work that can be done on threshold on national insurance which i've called for but to suggest somehow we are coming to this with it blank page is wrong, there is £20 million of government resources going into help hard—pressed consumers and bill payers. we have already seen... the consumers and bill payers. we have already seen. . .— already seen... the increases in inflation in _ already seen... the increases in inflation in the _ already seen... the increases in inflation in the fall _ already seen... the increases in inflation in the fall in _ already seen... the increases in inflation in the fall in real - already seen... the increases in | inflation in the fall in real wages. the real— inflation in the fall in real wages. the real value are people's wagers because _ the real value are people's wagers because of— the real value are people's wagers because of inflation is going down and not _ because of inflation is going down and not up — because of inflation is going down and not up and so now is the time to say that— and not up and so now is the time to say that circumstances have changed -- people's— say that circumstances have changed —— people's wages. we will leave this tax— —— people's wages. we will leave this tax increase until later and take _ this tax increase until later and take it — this tax increase until later and take it out _ this tax increase until later and take it out of the equation and give people _ take it out of the equation and give

people relief. i take it out of the equation and give people relief-— people relief. i think that would be the wron: people relief. i think that would be the wrong signal _ people relief. i think that would be the wrong signal to _ people relief. i think that would be the wrong signal to send, - people relief. i think that would be the wrong signal to send, i'm - the wrong signal to send, i'm afraid, i think there is more direct action we can take for example on fuel duty. and i do think that as we see household energy prices going up, the market isjust see household energy prices going up, the market is just not working martin lewis telling us he does not have any more tools as a money adviser, and i think the time for action is absolutely pressing. it action is absolutely pressing. it needs a pay rise... hold - action is absolutely pressing. it needs a pay rise... hold on... | needs a pay rise... hold on... national _ needs a pay rise... hold on... national insurance _ needs a pay rise... hold on... national insurance increase i needs a pay rise... hold on... national insurance increase isj needs a pay rise... hold on... i national insurance increase is a needs a pay rise... hold on... - national insurance increase is a pay cut to _ national insurance increase is a pay cut to put _ national insurance increase is a pay cut to put it — national insurance increase is a pay cut to put it this is a chancellor who— cut to put it this is a chancellor who did — cut to put it this is a chancellor who did whatever it took to save the economy— who did whatever it took to save the economy in — who did whatever it took to save the economy in covid, putting billions of pounds — economy in covid, putting billions of pounds of public money into savinq — of pounds of public money into saving jobs, we saved millions of jobs _ saving jobs, we saved millions of jobs |_ saving 'obs, we saved millions of 'obs. ., saving 'obs, we saved millions of 'obs. . . , , , saving 'obs, we saved millions of 'obs. . . ,, , saving 'obs, we saved millions of 'obs. . , , jobs. i am absently confident he is the sort of — jobs. i am absently confident he is the sort of guy _ jobs. i am absently confident he is the sort of guy that _ jobs. i am absently confident he is the sort of guy that will _ jobs. i am absently confident he is the sort of guy that will stand - jobs. i am absently confident he is the sort of guy that will stand and | the sort of guy that will stand and deliver and get direct benefit... taken fraudulently... they talk over each other. {cal} taken fraudulently... they talk over each other-— each other. 400 billion went into the conwy to _ each other. 400 billion went into the conwy to save _ each other. 400 billion went into the conwy to save jobs, _ each other. 400 billion went into the conwy to save jobs, let's - each other. 400 billion went into the conwy to save jobs, let's note | the conwy to save jobs, let's note that this is a chancellor who will do what it takes to look after peoples livelihoods —— into the

economy. peoples livelihoods -- into the economy-— peoples livelihoods -- into the economy. peoples livelihoods -- into the econom. ., ., , ., economy. those have not been that words used — economy. those have not been that words used this _ economy. those have not been that words used this time, _ economy. those have not been that words used this time, he _ economy. those have not been that words used this time, he says - economy. those have not been that words used this time, he says he i words used this time, he says he will stand by families and hard—pressed households but one question, i will come back to you, robert, we will see what he says when he stands up. angela, people may be asking, the money from the tax increase in national insurance contributions, is going to pay for the nhs, to recoverfrom the pandemic, to a front—line service people love and treasure in this country, to pay for the backlog. are you saying you would take that money away or would you find another way to raise it for the nhs?— to raise it for the nhs? partially what we were — to raise it for the nhs? partially what we were saying _ to raise it for the nhs? partially what we were saying is - to raise it for the nhs? partially what we were saying is the - to raise it for the nhs? partially. what we were saying is the better use of— what we were saying is the better use of public money, so the 12 billion— use of public money, so the 12 billion wasted in fraud which the government does not seem... hang on, what we want _ government does not seem... hang on, what we want to — government does not seem... hang on, what we want to know... _ government does not seem... hang on, what we want to know... that _ government does not seem... hang on, what we want to know... that at - government does not seem... hang on, what we want to know... that at the i what we want to know... that at the same amount _ what we want to know... that at the same amount of— what we want to know... that at the same amount of money _ what we want to know... that at the same amount of money the - what we want to know... that at the j same amount of money the national insurance _ same amount of money the national insurance contribution increase will actually _ insurance contribution increase will actually raise. se insurance contribution increase will actually raise-— insurance contribution increase will actually raise. so what would you do to raise the — actually raise. so what would you do

to raise the money? _ actually raise. so what would you do to raise the money? increasing - to raise the money? increasing national insurance _ to raise the money? increasingl national insurance contributions to raise the money? increasing i national insurance contributions at this stage — national insurance contributions at this stage is putting more costs on employers — this stage is putting more costs on employers and employees of... made that clear but — employers and employees of... made that clear but what _ employers and employees of... made that clear but what i _ employers and employees of... made that clear but what i want _ employers and employees of... made that clear but what i want to - employers and employees of... i—ns that clear but what i want to know is how you would pay for the backlog in the nhs? x�*t�*ell is how you would pay for the backlog in the nhs?— in the nhs? you have to grow the economy. — in the nhs? you have to grow the economy. make _ in the nhs? you have to grow the economy, make sure _ in the nhs? you have to grow the economy, make sure that - in the nhs? you have to grow the economy, make sure that every i in the nhs? you have to grow the - economy, make sure that every pound of public _ economy, make sure that every pound of public money is properly spent and wasted in fraud, which is what we have _ and wasted in fraud, which is what we have seen with this government, which _ we have seen with this government, which seems to have no interest in getting _ which seems to have no interest in getting any— which seems to have no interest in getting any of that money back. that will take some _ getting any of that money back. trust will take some time so if it was your decision and it is £12 billion a year in terms of pandemic recovery, into the health and social levy, how would you raise it? the chancellor _ levy, how would you raise it? the chancellor has _ levy, how would you raise it? the chancellor has got 50 billion more than he _ chancellor has got 50 billion more than he thought he would have because — than he thought he would have because the economy has come back from omicron slightly faster than he wouldm _ from omicron slightly faster than he would... ., ., ,, from omicron slightly faster than he would... ., ., , , ., ., would... you would spend all of that? no. _ would. .. you would spend all of that? no, what— would... you would spend all of that? no, what you _ would... you would spend all of that? no, what you have - would... you would spend all of that? no, what you have to - would... you would spend all of that? no, what you have to do | would... you would spend all of| that? no, what you have to do is take a balanced _ that? no, what you have to do is take a balanced view— that? no, what you have to do is take a balanced view with - that? no, what you have to do is take a balanced view with the i that? no, what you have to do is i take a balanced view with the books in front— take a balanced view with the books in front of— take a balanced view with the books in front of you and see what you can best do— in front of you and see what you can best do without cutting off

recovery, and national insurance contributions, an increase in corporation tax as well, that cuts qrowth — corporation tax as well, that cuts growth. and it cuts the spending levels _ growth. and it cuts the spending levels of— growth. and it cuts the spending levels of ordinary workers, makes it less likely— levels of ordinary workers, makes it less likely thatjobs levels of ordinary workers, makes it less likely that jobs will be created and people have money in their pockets so we just think it's their pockets so we just think it's the wrong — their pockets so we just think it's the wrong tax increase. i�*m their pockets so we just think it's the wrong tax increase. i'm trying to net to the wrong tax increase. i'm trying to get to the _ the wrong tax increase. i'm trying to get to the bottom _ the wrong tax increase. i'm trying to get to the bottom of— the wrong tax increase. i'm trying to get to the bottom of how - the wrong tax increase. i'm trying to get to the bottom of how you l to get to the bottom of how you would raise the money but let me turn to one other... iii} would raise the money but let me turn to one other. . .— turn to one other... £50 million over leeway _ turn to one other... £50 million over leeway in _ turn to one other... £50 million over leeway in the _ turn to one other... £50 million over leeway in the government | turn to one other... £50 million - over leeway in the government budget that rishi _ over leeway in the government budget that rishi sunak is going to be sprayinq — that rishi sunak is going to be spraying around in their. 30 that rishi sunak is going to be spraying around in their. so we are throuth spraying around in their. so we are through the _ spraying around in their. so we are through the looking _ spraying around in their. so we are through the looking glass, - spraying around in their. so we are through the looking glass, we - spraying around in their. so we are| through the looking glass, we have the labour party proposing an increase in corporation tax and an increase in corporation tax and an increase in corporation tax and an increase in the punning in the nhs and that's what it sounds like. i and that's what it sounds like. i didn't say that. hang _ and that's what it sounds like. i didn't say that. hang on, - and that's what it sounds like. i didn't say that. hang on, hang | and that's what it sounds like. i - didn't say that. hang on, hang on... the positive — didn't say that. hang on, hang on... the positive proposal _ didn't say that. hang on, hang on... the positive proposal is _ didn't say that. hang on, hang on... the positive proposal is windfall- the positive proposal is windfall tax on _ the positive proposal is windfall tax on oil— the positive proposal is windfall tax on oil and gas profits which are out of— tax on oil and gas profits which are out of all— tax on oil and gas profits which are out of all proportion, to cost which

will help— out of all proportion, to cost which will help people through this very difficult _ will help people through this very difficult period, take away the national insurance increase which will help — national insurance increase which will help the economy grow and then see what— will help the economy grow and then see what we can do with the extra money— see what we can do with the extra money we — see what we can do with the extra money we make from the growth, a 50 billion— money we make from the growth, a 50 billion of— money we make from the growth, a 50 billion of headroom the chancellor has got, _ billion of headroom the chancellor has got, that he is going to be playing — has got, that he is going to be playing with in his statement this afternoon. there are always different _ afternoon. there are always different choices.— afternoon. there are always different choices. ., different choices. indeed there are. that is a good _ different choices. indeed there are. that is a good point _ different choices. indeed there are. that is a good point to _ different choices. indeed there are. that is a good point to let - different choices. indeed there are. that is a good point to let you - different choices. indeed there are. that is a good point to let you both| that is a good point to let you both 90, that is a good point to let you both go, always a pleasure, sir robert buckland and dame angela eagle, going aside for the statement and we only have a few minutes before pmqs but it is about choices, there are still political choices to be made and it's notjust about the external shocks? and it's not 'ust about the external shocks? ., �* , and it's not 'ust about the external shocks? . �* , ., ., , ., shocks? that's right and that is one fascinatin: shocks? that's right and that is one fascinating thing _ shocks? that's right and that is one fascinating thing about _ shocks? that's right and that is one fascinating thing about these - shocks? that's right and that is one fascinating thing about these big i fascinating thing about these big days, you can argue the numbers being published, for politicians of all stripes and the public to see and look at, but it's all about the political priorities and decisions that governments, successive governments make. those two that

were going at it hammer and tongs, as is their liberty to do so, and from what we might seek a word about what we might see because we haven't talked about it that much, very heavy expectation there will be a cut to fuel duty, never confirmed but heavy expectation. some expectation that the chancellor might move around the threshold at which people start paying national insurance, so it would be a very big deal if he was to get rid of that tax rise, i don't think that'll happen. but he might well take people out of paying it, so if you earn less, you are less likely to have to pay more national insurance. there is a bit of what might be a wild rumour but who knows about a potential cut in income tax of 1p which has been doing some westminster whispers in the last half hour. ., ., ., , ., , westminster whispers in the last half hour. ., ., ., , ., half hour. you have done my 'ob for me! as we fl half hour. you have done my 'ob for me! as you're talking, * half hour. you have done my 'ob for me! as you're talking, 1h half hour. you have done my 'ob for me! as you're talking, i will b half hour. you have done my job for me! as you're talking, i will show i me! as you're talking, i will show you these, fuel duty cut as you have been saying, although people are saying it should be15p if it is going to make a difference. changes

as you outlined about the national insurance threshold, robert buckland mentioned even scrapping contributions, so people, not so many get caught up in it. income tax cut by 1p, i was surprised to see this but reporting in the sun newspaper put a rise in universal credit allowances. that newspaper put a rise in universal credit allowances.— newspaper put a rise in universal credit allowances. that is possible, tweakint credit allowances. that is possible, tweaking those _ credit allowances. that is possible, tweaking those rates _ credit allowances. that is possible, tweaking those rates so _ credit allowances. that is possible, tweaking those rates so that - credit allowances. that is possible, tweaking those rates so that is - tweaking those rates so that is where chancellor is complete with the numbers of people who find themselves in any one group of having to either pay or being allowed to keep more of their own income. ratherthan allowed to keep more of their own income. rather than changing policy overall. of the income tax cut, if it happens, it would be a very dramatic and bold stroke which would surprise people. but chancellors like to keep things under wraps. hand like to keep things under wraps. and he has kept — like to keep things under wraps. and he has kept it under wraps because there has been a lot of speculation so we don't know, i was going to the final one, which is vat abolished on insulating homes. and more measures to encourage that we talked about retrofitting, that will take time

but it's another possible measure. and few people would argue with that because we have been talking about energy security as a huge problem, successive governments have not got to grips with it in the way they should. i think people would applaud that, it would not be politically controversial. but if rishi sunak went for a cut in income tax, that would be an enormous and surprising decision. it would be an enormous and surprising decision. ., , would be an enormous and surprising decision-_ in - decision. it would be quite... in the numbers. — decision. it would be quite... in the numbers, that's _ decision. it would be quite... in the numbers, that's worth - decision. it would be quite... ml the numbers, that's worth about three _ the numbers, that's worth about three or— the numbers, that's worth about three or 4 — the numbers, that's worth about three or 4 billion, but the national insurance — three or 4 billion, but the national insurance rise is about 12 billion. it is insurance rise is about 12 billion. it is huge — insurance rise is about 12 billion. it is huge |t— insurance rise is about 12 billion. it is huge-— it is huge. it would be a way of rollin: it is huge. it would be a way of rolling some — it is huge. it would be a way of rolling some of— it is huge. it would be a way of rolling some of that _ it is huge. it would be a way of rolling some of that back- it is huge. it would be a way of rolling some of that back but l it is huge. it would be a way of. rolling some of that back but you asked. _ rolling some of that back but you asked. i— rolling some of that back but you asked, i thought we need that money for the _ asked, i thought we need that money for the hotel shall salko health and social— for the hotel shall salko health and social levy~ — for the hotel shall salko health and social le . �* for the hotel shall salko health and social le . . , ., for the hotel shall salko health and social le . . . ., social levy. and if you change the tax threshold _ social levy. and if you change the tax threshold on _ social levy. and if you change the tax threshold on ni, _ social levy. and if you change the tax threshold on ni, every - social levy. and if you change the tax threshold on ni, every penny| social levy. and if you change the i tax threshold on ni, every penny you take out— tax threshold on ni, every penny you take out about, — tax threshold on ni, every penny you take out about, and _ tax threshold on ni, every penny you take out about, and taking _ tax threshold on ni, every penny you take out about, and taking a - tax threshold on ni, every penny you take out about, and taking a bit- take out about, and taking a bit more _ take out about, and taking a bit more money— take out about, and taking a bit more money out _ take out about, and taking a bit more money out of _ take out about, and taking a bit more money out of the - take out about, and taking a bit more money out of the 12 - take out about, and taking a bit. more money out of the 12 billion, you are _ more money out of the 12 billion, you are essentially— more money out of the 12 billion, you are essentially taking - more money out of the 12 billion, you are essentially taking out - more money out of the 12 billion, you are essentially taking out of. you are essentially taking out of the social— you are essentially taking out of the social care _ you are essentially taking out of the social care and _ you are essentially taking out of the social care and national- you are essentially taking out of i the social care and national health service _ the social care and national health service backlog _ the social care and national health service backlog budget— the social care and national health service backlog budget because i the social care and national health. service backlog budget because that is the _ service backlog budget because that is the way— service backlog budget because that is the way it— service backlog budget because that is the way it was _ service backlog budget because that

is the way it was sold _ service backlog budget because that is the way it was sold in _ service backlog budget because that is the way it was sold in the - service backlog budget because that is the way it was sold in the first - is the way it was sold in the first place _ is the way it was sold in the first lace. ., ., is the way it was sold in the first lace. ., . , place. the other thing that might be less interesting, _ place. the other thing that might be less interesting, but _ place. the other thing that might be less interesting, but the _ place. the other thing that might be less interesting, but the treasury i less interesting, but the treasury might find interesting, if we were looking carefully, the chancellor was carrying two documents when he came out of number 11, notjust the statement but another argument tucked in behind and i hear that could be some sort of stand—alone economic strategy or plan, the chancellor has talked before about a long—term backing the right kind of parts of the economy and encouraging investment and that might be what that is. rfleet investment and that might be what that is. , , ., investment and that might be what that is. , ,, ., ., ., ~' investment and that might be what that is. , i. ., ., investment and that might be what that is. , ,, ., . , that is. get you to look at this, everybody _ that is. get you to look at this, everybody can _ that is. get you to look at this, everybody can look _ that is. get you to look at this, everybody can look at - that is. get you to look at this, everybody can look at this - that is. get you to look at this, i everybody can look at this graph, that is. get you to look at this, - everybody can look at this graph, we are going to the chamber for prime minister is questioned in a few minutes but this is about the rhetoric rishi sunak and the government saying we are a low tax government, and i am a low tax chancellor, the evidence pointing to exactly the opposite but if we look at the tax changes by the last ten prime ministers, there is boris johnson right at the top, maybe for good reason in terms of the interventions 2% of gdp, and margaret thatcher at the bottom. it

might be against rishi sunak�*s instincts but he can't really claim they are low tax?— instincts but he can't really claim they are low tax? they have claim of course, they are low tax? they have claim of course. and — they are low tax? they have claim of course. and the _ they are low tax? they have claim of course, and the difference _ they are low tax? they have claim of course, and the difference is - they are low tax? they have claim of course, and the difference is that i course, and the difference is that boris _ course, and the difference is that borisjohnson endured a pandemic cost an— borisjohnson endured a pandemic cost an epic amount in the public finances — cost an epic amount in the public finances but many of the tax rises predated — finances but many of the tax rises predated the pandemic actually. you do have, _ predated the pandemic actually. you do have, it's astonishing when you think— do have, it's astonishing when you think about — do have, it's astonishing when you think about what was in the conservative manifesto, which almost .ot conservative manifesto, which almost qot as— conservative manifesto, which almost qot as far— conservative manifesto, which almost got as far as banning tax rises but not quite — got as far as banning tax rises but not quite. you have corporation tax going _ not quite. you have corporation tax going up— not quite. you have corporation tax going up significantly, we forget about— going up significantly, we forget about that, that is coming in, national— about that, that is coming in, national insurance and the income tax freezing of the thresholds which is our— tax freezing of the thresholds which is our old _ tax freezing of the thresholds which is our old friend fiscal drag which sucks— is our old friend fiscal drag which sucks in— is our old friend fiscal drag which sucks in money especially when inflation — sucks in money especially when inflation is high. might reflection on the _ inflation is high. might reflection on the debate with the mps is this, that robert buckland order to use the phrase whatever it takes but we don't _ the phrase whatever it takes but we don't have _ the phrase whatever it takes but we don't have that moment. and if post—pandemic we have this

discussion last time, the public, particularly the public that boris johnson — particularly the public that boris johnson managed to attract to the tories, _ johnson managed to attract to the tories, if— johnson managed to attract to the tories, if they have got used to having — tories, if they have got used to having their arms put around them are being — having their arms put around them are being protected from nasty shocks — are being protected from nasty shocks from outside, is this going to be _ shocks from outside, is this going to be enough for them?— shocks from outside, is this going to be enough for them? i shall have further such meetings later today. i shall have further such meetings later today-— i shall have further such meetings latertoda. ., ~ later today. thank you mr speaker. the degrading _ later today. thank you mr speaker. the degrading strip _ later today. thank you mr speaker. the degrading strip search - later today. thank you mr speaker. the degrading strip search of- later today. thank you mr speaker. the degrading strip search of child | the degrading strip search of child 0 two— the degrading strip search of child 0 two years ago in a school that should — 0 two years ago in a school that should have been a safe place at the hands _ should have been a safe place at the hands of _ should have been a safe place at the hands of police officers who she should — hands of police officers who she should have been able to trust has caused _ should have been able to trust has caused anger and distress across the country _ caused anger and distress across the country on— caused anger and distress across the country. on monday the policing minister— country. on monday the policing minister failed to answer four separate _ minister failed to answer four separate questions in this chamber asking _ separate questions in this chamber asking when he first knew about child _ asking when he first knew about child 0 — asking when he first knew about child 0 and what urgent action he took in _ child 0 and what urgent action he took in response. so i asked the prime _ took in response. so i asked the prime minister, when did he first hear— prime minister, when did he first hear about— prime minister, when did he first hear about the strip search of child 0 in her— hear about the strip search of child 0 in her school? and whether he

q in her school? and whether he believes— q in her school? and whether he believes that the characteristic dither— believes that the characteristic dither and delay of his government in responding to this appalling case is remotely acceptable when it comes to the _ is remotely acceptable when it comes to the safety of children. mr speaker. — to the safety of children. mr speaker. i _ to the safety of children. m speaker, i think that is a completely ridiculous characterisation of the response of the government because of course the reports of this incident are deeply distressing and deeply concerning. everybody shares her feelings about that, mr speaker, but the metropolitan police have rightly apologised and the iopc is investigating. forthat apologised and the iopc is investigating. for that reason it would not be right to comment further. ., ~ would not be right to comment further. ., ,, , ., would not be right to comment further. ., ~' , ., ~ would not be right to comment further. ., ,, ~ ., ,, further. thank you, mr speaker, --eole further. thank you, mr speaker, people across — further. thank you, mr speaker, people across north-east - people across north—east hertfordshire are coming together to provide _ hertfordshire are coming together to provide support and refuge to families— provide support and refuge to families fleeing the invasion in ukraine — families fleeing the invasion in ukraine. the bulldog and district action— ukraine. the bulldog and district action committee are about to welcome — action committee are about to welcome four families to our

community and doesn't he agree this shows— community and doesn't he agree this shows the _ community and doesn't he agree this shows the open—hearted generosity of the british— shows the open—hearted generosity of the british people? and will he continue — the british people? and will he continue to do all he can with refugees— continue to do all he can with refugees to make this process as simple _ refugees to make this process as simple and speedy as possible? i thank simple and speedy as possible? thank my simple and speedy as possible? i thank my honourable friend and i also thank all those involved in the two big schemes we have now for welcoming people from ukraine. the homes for ukraine scheme is now open. i think about 40,000 have already applied, 150,000 homes across this country, families across this country have said they want to welcome ukrainians. that's a fantastic thing and i thank them for helping to lead the way. the leader ofthe helping to lead the way. the leader of the opposition, _ helping to lead the way. the leader of the opposition, keir _ helping to lead the way. the leader of the opposition, keir starmer. i of the opposition, keir starmer. thank— of the opposition, keir starmer. thank you. — of the opposition, keir starmer. thank you. mr— of the opposition, keir starmer. thank you, mr speaker. - of the opposition, keir starmer. thank you, mr speaker. 800 - of the opposition, keir starmer. i thank you, mr speaker. 800 loyal british— thank you, mr speaker. 800 loyal british workers fired over zoom, instantly— british workers fired over zoom, instantly replaced by foreign agency workers _ instantly replaced by foreign agency workers shipped in on less than the minimum _ workers shipped in on less than the minimum wage. if the prime minister

can't stop— minimum wage. if the prime minister can't stop that, what is the point of his— can't stop that, what is the point of his government? mr can't stop that, what is the point of his government?— can't stop that, what is the point of his government? mr speaker, we condemn the _ of his government? mr speaker, we condemn the callous _ of his government? mr speaker, we condemn the callous behaviour- of his government? mr speaker, we condemn the callous behaviour of. of his government? mr speaker, we i condemn the callous behaviour of p&o and i think it is no way to treat hard—working employees, and i can tell him that we will not sit by, mr speaker, because under section 194 of the trades union and labour relations act of 1992, it looks to me as if the company concerned has broken the law and we will be taking action therefore, and we will be encouraging workers themselves to take action under the 1996 employment rights act. both acts, mr speaker, passed by conservative governments. if the company is found guilty, then they face fines running into millions of pounds, mr speaker,

and in addition we will be taking steps to protect all mariners who are working in uk waters and ensure they are all paid the living wage. mr speaker, when owen paterson was on the _ mr speaker, when owen paterson was on the ropes, the prime minister was prepared _ on the ropes, the prime minister was prepared to _ on the ropes, the prime minister was prepared to rip up the rule book to save his _ prepared to rip up the rule book to save hisiob — prepared to rip up the rule book to save hisjob. p&o workers want him to show— save hisjob. p&o workers want him to show the — save hisjob. p&o workers want him to show the same fight in relation to show the same fight in relation to them — to show the same fight in relation to them. the government had advanced warning _ to them. the government had advanced warning of— to them. the government had advanced warning of these mass sackings. the memo _ warning of these mass sackings. the memo was _ warning of these mass sackings. the memo was sent to the transport secretary_ memo was sent to the transport secretary and to the prime minister's office, but they didn't lift a _ minister's office, but they didn't lift a finger to stop them. did the prime _ lift a finger to stop them. did the prime minister not understand the memo? _ prime minister not understand the memo? 0r— prime minister not understand the memo? or did hejust not prime minister not understand the memo? or did he just not bother to read it? _ memo? or did he just not bother to read it? |_ memo? or did he 'ust not bother to read it? ~ ., read it? i think what the right honourable _ read it? i think what the right honourable gentleman - read it? i think what the right honourable gentleman needs| read it? i think what the right i honourable gentleman needs to rip up, mr speaker, is his pre—scripted questions because i havejust answered the question. the point at

issue, mr speaker, is whether or not the government was properly notified. it's not about what happens previously, i knew about it on the thursday it became public, but the company concerned has a duty to notify the government 45 days, mr speaker, before they take action of that kind. that's why we are taking the action that we are to protect hard—working people, and what we are also doing by the way with this month is lifting the living wage for all workers across our country by another £1000 so it is up £5,000 since 2015. i another £1000 so it is up £5,000 since 2015. ~ another £1000 so it is up £5,000 since 2015— since 2015. i think the prime ministerjust _ since 2015. i think the prime ministerjust said _ since 2015. i think the prime ministerjust said he - since 2015. i think the prime ministerjust said he knew. since 2015. i think the prime - ministerjust said he knew about it on the _ ministerjust said he knew about it on the day — ministerjust said he knew about it on the day. i take it the prime minister— on the day. i take it the prime minister didn't read his whatsapp briefing _ minister didn't read his whatsapp briefing from that answer? let's test his— briefing from that answer? let's test his rhetoric. mr speaker, since the prime _ test his rhetoric. mr speaker, since the prime minister came to office, p&0 the prime minister came to office, p80 have —

the prime minister came to office, p&o have received over £38 million of government contracts, and the parent— of government contracts, and the parent company, dp world, is lined up parent company, dp world, is lined up for— parent company, dp world, is lined up for e50 — parent company, dp world, is lined up for £50 million of taxpayers' money— up for £50 million of taxpayers' money under the free port scheme. the government is apparently reviewing these contracts, but reviews — reviewing these contracts, but reviews don't save jobs. can the prime _ reviews don't save jobs. can the prime minister guarantee, guarantee that these _ prime minister guarantee, guarantee that these companies will not get a penny— that these companies will not get a penny more of taxpayers' money or a simple _ penny more of taxpayers' money or a simple tax _ penny more of taxpayers' money or a simple tax break until they reinstate the workforce? mr speaker, i think what the _ reinstate the workforce? mr speaker, i think what the house _ reinstate the workforce? mr speaker, i think what the house has _ reinstate the workforce? mr speaker, i think what the house has already i i think what the house has already heard is that we are taking legal action... yes, we are, against the company concerned under the 1992 employment and trade union labour relation act. that is the right thing to do because it seems to me that they have broken the law, but if he is asking this government to do what labour usually want us to do

and actively pitchfork away investment around the country from overseas, mr speaker, then that is not what we will do. we will defend the rights of british workers in court, what we will not do is launch a wholehearted campaign as they would want against overseas investment because that is completely wrong and wrong for those workers. di?! completely wrong and wrong for those workers. , ~ ., completely wrong and wrong for those workers. , . ., , , ., ,, workers. dp world must be quaking in their boots! the _ workers. dp world must be quaking in their boots! the prime _ workers. dp world must be quaking in their boots! the prime minister - workers. dp world must be quaking in their boots! the prime minister says i their boots! the prime minister says how disappointed he is in them whilst — how disappointed he is in them whilst handing them £50 million. the prime _ whilst handing them £50 million. the prime minister said about the law. speaking _ prime minister said about the law. speaking of hollow reviews, as the law stands — speaking of hollow reviews, as the law stands it is not illegal to pay seafarers — law stands it is not illegal to pay seafarers below the national minimum wage, _ seafarers below the national minimum wage, even— seafarers below the national minimum wage, even if they are working out of uk _ wage, even if they are working out of uk parts — wage, even if they are working out of uk parts and in uk waters. two years— of uk parts and in uk waters. two years ago. — of uk parts and in uk waters. two years ago, his government admitted that that _ years ago, his government admitted that that was unjustifiable, two

years _ that that was unjustifiable, two years ago, and promised two years a-o years ago, and promised two years ago to— years ago, and promised two years ago to review it. two years on, despite — ago to review it. two years on, despite what he says today, nothing has been _ despite what he says today, nothing has been done, leaving the gate wide open for— has been done, leaving the gate wide open for p&o. british workers don't need _ open for p&o. british workers don't need another empty review, they need action, _ need another empty review, they need action, so— need another empty review, they need action, so when will the prime minister— action, so when will the prime minister fixed that gap in the law? mr speaker, with great humility, i must ask the honourable gentleman to listen to the answer i gave to the first question because it would then help him to scrap his third or fourth question and try another one. we are going to address the defects in the 1998 living wage act, minimum wage act, and make sure that everybody serving in the uk exclusive economic zone, working in the uk exclusive economic zone gets paid the living wage as people do in the rest of the country. the problem is that's what _ the rest of the country. the problem is that's what he _ the rest of the country. the problem

is that's what he said _ the rest of the country. the problem is that's what he said two _ the rest of the country. the problem is that's what he said two years - is that's what he said two years ago _ is that's what he said two years ago it— is that's what he said two years ago. it didn't happen and p80 took advantage — ago. it didn't happen and p80 took advantage of the gap left open by the prime minister. p&o's behaviour comes— the prime minister. p&o's behaviour comes off— the prime minister. p&o's behaviour comes off the back of a string of fire and — comes off the back of a string of fire and rehire cases, profitable company— fire and rehire cases, profitable company is threatening to fire workers — company is threatening to fire workers unless they accept a pay cut. workers unless they accept a pay cut the — workers unless they accept a pay cut. the prime minister keeps telling — cut. the prime minister keeps telling us _ cut. the prime minister keeps telling usjust how opposed he is to fire and _ telling usjust how opposed he is to fire and rehire, but as we saw on monday. — fire and rehire, but as we saw on monday. as _ fire and rehire, but as we saw on monday, as we saw on monday he doesn't _ monday, as we saw on monday he doesn't have the backbone to ban it. whilst _ doesn't have the backbone to ban it. whilst he _ doesn't have the backbone to ban it. whilst he sits on his hands, more and more — whilst he sits on his hands, more and more workers are having their lives _ and more workers are having their lives thrown upside down by this appalling — lives thrown upside down by this appalling practice. what good to them _ appalling practice. what good to them is — appalling practice. what good to them is a — appalling practice. what good to them is a prime minister who is all mouth— them is a prime minister who is all mouth and — them is a prime minister who is all mouth and no trousers? the them is a prime minister who is all mouth and no trousers?— mouth and no trousers? the most notable practitioners _ mouth and no trousers? the most notable practitioners of— mouth and no trousers? the most notable practitioners of fire - mouth and no trousers? the most notable practitioners of fire and i notable practitioners of fire and rehire are of course the labour party themselves, but he may be

interested to know we will be vindicating the rights of british workers, uk employees under uk law, but the law that p&o themselves are allegedly relying on was introduced i can tell him as a result of eu directives. neverforget, mr speaker, he may not like it, that's the reality. he would have kept us unable to change it, unable to get out of it, he would have made it impossible for us to protect uk employees in the way we are going to do but what we are doing above all is ensuring that workers in this country have the best protection of all, which is a job, mr speaker. under this government, thanks to the steps we have taken, thanks to the stewardship of the economy by my right honourable friend, we have people in payroll employment,

600,000 more of them than before the pandemic began. he 600,000 more of them than before the pandemic began-— pandemic began. he can complain all he likes, pandemic began. he can complain all he likes. but— pandemic began. he can complain all he likes, but on _ pandemic began. he can complain all he likes, but on monday _ pandemic began. he can complain all he likes, but on monday he _ pandemic began. he can complain all he likes, but on monday he ordered l he likes, but on monday he ordered all of— he likes, but on monday he ordered all of his— he likes, but on monday he ordered all of his lot — he likes, but on monday he ordered all of his lot to abstain on a vote to ban— all of his lot to abstain on a vote to ban fire — all of his lot to abstain on a vote to ban fire and rehire. and they all did. to ban fire and rehire. and they all did and _ to ban fire and rehire. and they all did. and then, mr speaker, to add insult _ did. and then, mr speaker, to add insult to— did. and then, mr speaker, to add insult to injury, after the vote, his party— insult to injury, after the vote, his party posted a message saying that where possible they will look to find _ that where possible they will look to find p&o workers a newjobs. pathetic! — to find p&o workers a newjobs. pathetic! they don't want newjobs, they want— pathetic! they don't want newjobs, they want their old jobs back. they don't _ they want their old jobs back. they don't want — they want their old jobs back. they don't want a prime minister hosting the white _ don't want a prime minister hosting the white flag, they want him to fight _ the white flag, they want him to fight for— the white flag, they want him to fight for their livelihoods. 82,000 seafarers— fight for their livelihoods. 82,000 seafarers in this country. i have spoken— seafarers in this country. i have spoken to — seafarers in this country. i have spoken to doctors, engineers, deckhands and sailors, they are all worried _ deckhands and sailors, they are all worried about what this means for them _ worried about what this means for them this — worried about what this means for them. this morning one of them said to me _ them. this morning one of them said to me that— them. this morning one of them said to me that if—

them. this morning one of them said to me that if p&o get away with this, _ to me that if p&o get away with this, others will too. why does he think— this, others will too. why does he think they— this, others will too. why does he think they will take any comfort from _ think they will take any comfort from his— think they will take any comfort from his bluster and waffle today? p&0 from his bluster and waffle today? p&o plainly are not going to get away with it any more than any other company that treats its employees in that scandalous way mr speaker. this is a historic moment for this country actually because it's now two years to the day that we went into lockdown, and that plunged this country into the biggest, deepest loss of output we have seen in our lifetimes. thanks to the chancellor, who protected the economy, who protected jobs and companies, we have now been able to come out faster and more effectively than any other comparable economy. we have unemployment back to 3.9%, we have 600,000 more people on the payroll, and the best assurance we can give workers around the country is that

the economy is now bigger than it was before the pandemic began and we will continue to get the big calls right as we got the big calls right during the pandemic. they got the big calls wrong. they would do absolutely nothing to protect workers, p&o workers, mr speaker. because not only did they keep us in lockdown, they kept those ships in port, that's the reality. there has never been a labour government that left office with unemployment lower than when they began. that is their record onjobs. than when they began. that is their record on jobs-— record on 'obs. thank you, mr speaker. — record on jobs. thank you, mr speaker- i— record on jobs. thank you, mr speaker. i strongly _ record on jobs. thank you, mr speaker. i strongly support i record on jobs. thank you, mr| speaker. i strongly support the government's— speaker. i strongly support the government's intention - speaker. i strongly support the government's intention to i speaker. i strongly support thel government's intention to make england — government's intention to make england smoke—free _ government's intention to make england smoke—free by- government's intention to make england smoke—free by 2030, i government's intention to make i england smoke—free by 2030, but on the current— england smoke—free by 2030, but on the current trajectory— england smoke—free by 2030, but on the current trajectory we _ england smoke—free by 2030, but on the current trajectory we will- england smoke—free by 2030, but on the current trajectory we will miss i the current trajectory we will miss that target — the current trajectory we will miss that target it _ the current trajectory we will miss that target. it is _ the current trajectory we will miss that target. it is vital _

the current trajectory we will miss that target. it is vital that - the current trajectory we will miss that target. it is vital that we i that target. it is vital that we encourage _ that target. it is vital that we encourage or— that target. it is vital that we encourage or discourage i that target. it is vital that we i encourage or discourage young that target. it is vital that we - encourage or discourage young people from starting — encourage or discourage young people from starting to— encourage or discourage young people from starting to smoke _ encourage or discourage young people from starting to smoke and _ encourage or discourage young people from starting to smoke and encourage j from starting to smoke and encourage people _ from starting to smoke and encourage people that _ from starting to smoke and encourage people that smoke _ from starting to smoke and encourage people that smoke already _ from starting to smoke and encourage people that smoke already to - from starting to smoke and encourage people that smoke already to give i people that smoke already to give up. people that smoke already to give up does— people that smoke already to give up. does my— people that smoke already to give up. does my right— people that smoke already to give up. does my right honourable i people that smoke already to give i up. does my right honourable friend agree _ up. does my right honourable friend agree with _ up. does my right honourable friend agree with me — up. does my right honourable friend agree with me that _ up. does my right honourable friend agree with me that it— up. does my right honourable friend agree with me that it is— up. does my right honourable friend agree with me that it is now- up. does my right honourable friend agree with me that it is now time i up. does my right honourable friend agree with me that it is now time to| agree with me that it is now time to raise _ agree with me that it is now time to raise the _ agree with me that it is now time to raise the age — agree with me that it is now time to raise the age of— agree with me that it is now time to raise the age of legal— agree with me that it is now time to raise the age of legal sale _ agree with me that it is now time to raise the age of legal sale of- raise the age of legal sale of tobacco— raise the age of legal sale of tobacco products _ raise the age of legal sale of tobacco products from - raise the age of legal sale of tobacco products from 18 i raise the age of legal sale of tobacco products from 18 toi raise the age of legal sale of. tobacco products from 18 to 21, raise the age of legal sale of- tobacco products from 18 to 21, and impose _ tobacco products from 18 to 21, and impose a _ tobacco products from 18 to 21, and impose a levy — tobacco products from 18 to 21, and impose a levy on _ tobacco products from 18 to 21, and impose a levy on the _ tobacco products from 18 to 21, and impose a levy on the profits - tobacco products from 18 to 21, and impose a levy on the profits of- tobacco products from 18 to 21, and impose a levy on the profits of thel impose a levy on the profits of the bil impose a levy on the profits of the big tobacco — impose a levy on the profits of the big tobacco companies _ impose a levy on the profits of the big tobacco companies to - impose a levy on the profits of the big tobacco companies to raise i impose a levy on the profits of the i big tobacco companies to raise £700 million _ big tobacco companies to raise £700 million that — big tobacco companies to raise £700 million that we — big tobacco companies to raise £700 million that we can _ big tobacco companies to raise £700 million that we can put _ big tobacco companies to raise £700 million that we can put to _ big tobacco companies to raise £700 million that we can put to smoking i million that we can put to smoking cessation — million that we can put to smoking cessation services _ million that we can put to smoking cessation services on _ million that we can put to smoking cessation services on the - million that we can put to smoking cessation services on the basis i million that we can put to smoking | cessation services on the basis that the polluter— cessation services on the basis that the polluter must _ cessation services on the basis that the polluter must pay? _ i thank ithank him i thank him very much and he is absolutely right about smoking, the biggest single cause of preventable death in this country. we are undertaking an independent review of smoking and i am sure he will want to take my honourable friend's suggestions into account. the leader ofthe suggestions into account. the leader of the snp. — suggestions into account. the leader of the snp. ian _ suggestions into account. the leader of the snp, ian blackford. _ suggestions into account. the leader of the snp, ian blackford. thank i of the snp, ian blackford. thank ou, mr of the snp, ian blackford. thank you, mr speaker. _ of the snp, ian blackford. thank you, mr speaker. in _ of the snp, ian blackford. thank you, mr speaker. in a _ of the snp, ian blackford. thank you, mr speaker. in a matter- of the snp, ian blackford. thank you, mr speaker. in a matter of| you, mr speaker. in a matter of seconds, — you, mr speaker. in a matter of seconds, an— you, mr speaker. in a matter of seconds, an aircraft is due to depart— seconds, an aircraft is due to

depart heathrow airport, a virgin atlantic— depart heathrow airport, a virgin atlantic aircraft, to go to warsaw to pick— atlantic aircraft, to go to warsaw to pick up— atlantic aircraft, to go to warsaw to pick up 50 young orphans that have _ to pick up 50 young orphans that have left — to pick up 50 young orphans that have left ukraine, coming to spend the next _ have left ukraine, coming to spend the next period of their life in scotland. _ the next period of their life in scotland, and the sanctuary we can offer _ scotland, and the sanctuary we can offer them — scotland, and the sanctuary we can offerthem. i scotland, and the sanctuary we can offer them. i would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has— this opportunity to thank everyone that has helped make sure we can offer— that has helped make sure we can offer a _ that has helped make sure we can offer a new— that has helped make sure we can offer a new start to these young people — offer a new start to these young people away from the war, and in particular. — people away from the war, and in particular, the governments in london — particular, the governments in london and edinburgh, and particular to thank— london and edinburgh, and particular to thank the immigration minister. the member for torbay. and the refugee — the member for torbay. and the refugee minister in the house of lords _ refugee minister in the house of lords this — refugee minister in the house of lords. this is a good day for these 50 young — lords. this is a good day for these 50 young people but let's hope it is the beginning of something much more significant _ the beginning of something much more significant for many more young people — significant for many more young people that we can offer sanctuary to. people that we can offer sanctuary to mr— people that we can offer sanctuary to. mr speaker, this morning we have official— to. mr speaker, this morning we have official confirmation that inflation is at its _ official confirmation that inflation is at its highest level in 30 years. but families don't need official confirmation to know that the cost of food _

confirmation to know that the cost of food and energy are at a price they— of food and energy are at a price they simply cannot afford. at the very people who have borne the brunt of the _ very people who have borne the brunt of the health pandemic are now being hammered _ of the health pandemic are now being hammered by the property pandemic. this is— hammered by the property pandemic. this is not— hammered by the property pandemic. this is notjust a cost of living crisis. — this is notjust a cost of living crisis. it— this is notjust a cost of living crisis. it is— this is notjust a cost of living crisis, it is an emergency. that is why in— crisis, it is an emergency. that is why in scotland the snp government is doubling the scottish child payment and raising benefits it controlled by 6%, double the rate at the chancellor has proposed for the benefits _ the chancellor has proposed for the benefits he has control over. this is a simple — benefits he has control over. this is a simple question for the prime minister. — is a simple question for the prime minister. if— is a simple question for the prime minister, if he truly understands this is— minister, if he truly understands this is an — minister, if he truly understands this is an will he the scottish government's commitment and lift all benefits— government's commitment and lift all benefits by— government's commitment and lift all benefits by 6%? | government's commitment and lift all benefits by 696?— benefits by 696? i thank him very much and we _ benefits by 696? i thank him very much and we will _ benefits by 696? i thank him very much and we will recognise i benefits by 696? i thank him very much and we will recognise the l much and we will recognise the inflation, global inflation, is causing real cost of living crisis, notjust here around the world. in the us, inflation is running at more than 8%, and at levels in other european countries and we are doing

everything we can to help people. the chancellor has put another £9.1 billion into reducing the cost of energy forfamilies. and i don't know quite what he is shouting out, but we want to do more, and scotland, i can tell him, is in the lead in helping this country to solve its energy problems, notjust with more offshore wind, but by abandoning the phobia of our own hydrocarbons which i think will be vital for transition hydrocarbons which i think will be vitalfor transition and hydrocarbons which i think will be vital for transition and avoid is being blackmailed by putin's russia. and on his point about the orphans, mr speaker, iam and on his point about the orphans, mr speaker, i am grateful to him for his efforts and i thank him, and it is another example, if i may say without embarrassing him further, of the burgeoning cooperation between us! at the burgeoning cooperation between us! u, , the burgeoning cooperation between us! . ., , ~ the burgeoning cooperation between us! , ~ ., us! of course, mr speaker, we want to make sure _ us! of course, mr speaker, we want to make sure we _ us! of course, mr speaker, we want to make sure we opened _ us! of course, mr speaker, we want to make sure we opened our- us! of course, mr speaker, we want to make sure we opened our doors i us! of course, mr speaker, we want | to make sure we opened our doors in scotland _ to make sure we opened our doors in scotland and — to make sure we opened our doors in scotland and welcomed refugees and we have _ scotland and welcomed refugees and we have that generosity of spirit

but we _ we have that generosity of spirit but we will leave that therefore now! _ but we will leave that therefore now! can — but we will leave that therefore now! can i_ but we will leave that therefore now! can i say to the prime minister. _ now! can i say to the prime minister, that inflation is 6% and increasing, — minister, that inflation is 6% and increasing, we need to make sure that the _ increasing, we need to make sure that the most vulnerable have that increase _ that the most vulnerable have that increase in — that the most vulnerable have that increase in benefits they need in order— increase in benefits they need in order to — increase in benefits they need in order to pay for fuel. and the chancellor needs to ditch the officiat— chancellor needs to ditch the official photographer and listen to martin— official photographer and listen to martin lewis. family finances are at breaking _ martin lewis. family finances are at breaking point, they cannot tighten their budgets any more put these families— their budgets any more put these families have no room for manoeuvre. but the _ families have no room for manoeuvre. but the truth — families have no room for manoeuvre. but the truth is, the chancellor does _ but the truth is, the chancellor does. lower borrowing and increased taxes means he is sitting with £20 bitiion— taxes means he is sitting with £20 billion to _ taxes means he is sitting with £20 billion to spend today. but instead, this chancellor is making a political— this chancellor is making a political choice, the choice to push people _ political choice, the choice to push people further into hardship by hiking — people further into hardship by hiking taxes, cutting universal credit— hiking taxes, cutting universal credit and giving companies free rein to _ credit and giving companies free rein to slash workers' pay through fire and _ rein to slash workers' pay through fire and rehire point at the test for the — fire and rehire point at the test for the prime minister is this, will the government used the full £20

bitiion— the government used the full £20 billion they are sitting on to scrap the national insurance tax hike and put money— the national insurance tax hike and put money into people's pockets, or will he _ put money into people's pockets, or will he simply make this tory property— will he simply make this tory property pandemic even worse? i property pandemic even worse? would just property pandemic even worse? i would just advise mystic meg over here... �* , here... laughter he has _ here... laughter he has only - here... laughter he has only ten i here... laughter - he has only ten minutes to here... laughter _ he has only ten minutes to wait before he will have the answer to that question.— before he will have the answer to that ruestion. ., ~' , ., ~ ., ,, that question. thank you, mr speaker hunter i warmly _ that question. thank you, mr speaker hunter i warmly welcome _ that question. thank you, mr speaker hunter i warmly welcome the - hunter i warmly welcome the improvements to our national ukraine refugee _ improvements to our national ukraine refugee response. but in the weeks since _ refugee response. but in the weeks since these — refugee response. but in the weeks since these improved measures, numbers— since these improved measures, numbers fleeing putin's in bashan have doubled to 3.5 million and are expected _ have doubled to 3.5 million and are expected to go even higher. —— his invasion _ expected to go even higher. —— his invasion. does the prime minister agree _ invasion. does the prime minister agree that — invasion. does the prime minister agree that our response must move much _ agree that our response must move much faster, with a shift in processing applications in the uk, cutting _ processing applications in the uk, cutting red tape and bureaucracy so we can— cutting red tape and bureaucracy so we can match the scale of your's

worst _ we can match the scale of your's worst humanitarian crisis since the second _ worst humanitarian crisis since the second world war? mr worst humanitarian crisis since the second world war?— second world war? mr speaker, i think he is — second world war? mr speaker, i think he is right _ second world war? mr speaker, i think he is right that _ second world war? mr speaker, i think he is right that we _ second world war? mr speaker, i think he is right that we are - second world war? mr speaker, i think he is right that we are goingj think he is right that we are going to see many more people coming and that the instincts of this country are to be as generous as possible, and that is why we have made sure that applications can now be processed online very quickly, so people can come here with their passports and under reunion scheme alone, i think that numbers are run in excess of 16,000 people coming. whilst ofgem can capture rising gas and electricity bills, other fuels like heating oil, lpg and solid fuel remain— like heating oil, lpg and solid fuel remain unregulated. many households in rural— remain unregulated. many households in rural scotland depend on such fuels, _ in rural scotland depend on such fuels, and — in rural scotland depend on such fuels, and also areas awash with energy— fuels, and also areas awash with energy both on and offshore, yet with huge — energy both on and offshore, yet with huge and rising numbers in fuel poverty~ _ with huge and rising numbers in fuel poverty. will the prime minister regulate — poverty. will the prime minister regulate and cap such fuels to alleviate — regulate and cap such fuels to alleviate hardship and end the

perversity of energy—rich scotland but fuel _ perversity of energy—rich scotland but fuel poor scots? | perversity of energy-rich scotland but fuel poor scots?— but fuel poor scots? i thank him very much. _ but fuel poor scots? i thank him very much. and _ but fuel poor scots? i thank him very much, and i— but fuel poor scots? i thank him very much, and i think- but fuel poor scots? i thank him very much, and i think he - but fuel poor scots? i thank him very much, and i think he is - but fuel poor scots? i thank him | very much, and i think he is right that energy—rich scotland and the hydrocarbons that we have in this country should be used to help the british people, and that we should not be needlessly reliant on oil and gas from putin's russia. i think thatis gas from putin's russia. i think that is the policy of alba, unfortunately not yet the policy of the snp. ., ~ _, unfortunately not yet the policy of the snp. ., , ,., ~ unfortunately not yet the policy of the snp. ., ~ _, ~ ,,, ., ~ unfortunately not yet the policy of the snp. ., ~ ~ .,~ ., the snp. thank you, mr speaker. i am so roud the snp. thank you, mr speaker. i am so proud to — the snp. thank you, mr speaker. i am so proud to represent _ the snp. thank you, mr speaker. i am so proud to represent a _ the snp. thank you, mr speaker. i am so proud to represent a vibrant - so proud to represent a vibrant ukrainian — so proud to represent a vibrant ukrainian community in huddersfield and colne _ ukrainian community in huddersfield and colne valley this friday at the ukrainian — and colne valley this friday at the ukrainian club in huddersfield they will he _ ukrainian club in huddersfield they will be collecting medical supply donations to send to ukraine and the surrounding — donations to send to ukraine and the surrounding nations. will the prime minister— surrounding nations. will the prime ministerjoined me in thanking all of our— ministerjoined me in thanking all of our community in west yorkshire who have _ of our community in west yorkshire who have rallied around their ukrainian _ who have rallied around their ukrainian neighbours and friends, and also — ukrainian neighbours and friends, and also continue to put the uk at

the forefront of donations, not only humanitarian and medical supplies, but also _ humanitarian and medical supplies, but also the military aid that is allowing — but also the military aid that is allowing the ukrainian people to fi-ht allowing the ukrainian people to tight so — allowing the ukrainian people to fight so bravely against putin and his cronies? | fight so bravely against putin and his cronies?— fight so bravely against putin and his cronies? . ,, , . his cronies? i thank him very much and i thank — his cronies? i thank him very much and i thank the _ his cronies? i thank him very much and i thank the ukrainian - his cronies? i thank him very much i and i thank the ukrainian community in yorkshire for everything they are doing, and of course ukrainian communities up and down the country. i am proud that we are the biggest bilateral donor, i think other than the united states, in aid to ukraine and yes, i'm also proud and i know the whole house is, of the work being done continuously to give the ukrainian is the tools they need to defend themselves. mr ukrainian is the tools they need to defend themselves.— ukrainian is the tools they need to defend themselves. mr speaker, the football association _ defend themselves. mr speaker, the football association are _ defend themselves. mr speaker, the football association are refusing - defend themselves. mr speaker, the football association are refusing to i football association are refusing to move _ football association are refusing to move the _ football association are refusing to move the semifinal between liverpool and manchester city from wembley. there _ and manchester city from wembley. there are _ and manchester city from wembley. there are no trains from the north—west that day which means 50 or 60.000 _ north—west that day which means 50 or 60,000 people will have to go by

road _ or 60,000 people will have to go by road bad _ or 60,000 people will have to go by road. bad for the fans and for the environment. unfortunately, this is typical— environment. unfortunately, this is typical of— environment. unfortunately, this is typical of the insensitivity of the fa, typical of the insensitivity of the fa. who — typical of the insensitivity of the fa, who think that a fit and proper people _ fa, who think that a fit and proper people to — fa, who think that a fit and proper people to run our football clubs are rushing _ people to run our football clubs are rushing kleptocratic people who are wanted _ rushing kleptocratic people who are wanted for human rights abuses. does the prime _ wanted for human rights abuses. does the prime minister agree with me that now— the prime minister agree with me that now is the time to legislate to set up _ that now is the time to legislate to set up an— that now is the time to legislate to set up an independent regulator for football, _ set up an independent regulator for football, with fan involvement? | football, with fan involvement? i thank football, with fan involvement? thank him football, with fan involvement? i thank him very much, i'm not going to comment on the travel arrangements for the particular match, although the deputy leader of the labour party shouts for me to secure her a train i'm sure everybody has heard and the fa will have heard the message he has given. what i can say is i do agree with my honourable friend who just conducted a review on the matter, that we

should indeed have an independent regulatorfor should indeed have an independent regulator for football.— regulator for football. thank you, mr speaker- _ regulator for football. thank you, mr speaker. at _ regulator for football. thank you, mr speaker. at my _ regulator for football. thank you, mr speaker. at my right - regulator for football. thank you, i mr speaker. at my right honourable friend _ mr speaker. at my right honourable friend the _ mr speaker. at my right honourable friend the prime minister is a great champion— friend the prime minister is a great champion for steel and we have had brilliant _ champion for steel and we have had brilliant news on the removal of the us steel— brilliant news on the removal of the us steel tariffs. will he reaffirmed the commitment he made at the dispatch— the commitment he made at the dispatch box on the 31st ofjanuary that the _ dispatch box on the 31st ofjanuary that the chancellor will bring forward _ that the chancellor will bring forward a package of measures on our steel energy costs, and if the chancellor is not able to make good on that— chancellor is not able to make good on that commitment today, will he ensure _ on that commitment today, will he ensure he — on that commitment today, will he ensure he does so as soon as he can? i ensure he does so as soon as he can? i agree _ ensure he does so as soon as he can? i agree with _ ensure he does so as soon as he can? i agree with her passionately and i think it is vital that we undo the damage done by the insane policies of the labour government, the previous labour government, that ramped up the cost of energy for british industry, including steel. i will bring forward a british energy security strategy that will address the needs of british steel british ceramics, and the whole of british

industry. ceramics, and the whole of british indust . ., ~ ceramics, and the whole of british indust . ., ,, , ., ceramics, and the whole of british indust . . ~' ,, ~ ceramics, and the whole of british indust . ., ~ �* industry. thank you, mr speaker. i'm sure the promise _ industry. thank you, mr speaker. i'm sure the promise to _ industry. thank you, mr speaker. i'm sure the promise to watch _ industry. thank you, mr speaker. i'm sure the promise to watch out - industry. thank you, mr speaker. i'm sure the promise to watch out my - sure the promise to watch out my like that _ sure the promise to watch out my like that puppet has been shortlisted to become the uk city of culture _ shortlisted to become the uk city of culture 2025 and will —— want to support— culture 2025 and will —— want to support his _ culture 2025 and will —— want to support his bid which will bring immense — support his bid which will bring immense kudos to the city, with over 120 languages from its unique cultural— 120 languages from its unique cultural heritage diversity and the amazing _ cultural heritage diversity and the amazing food, the birthplace of david _ amazing food, the birthplace of david hockney bradford has it all. apart. _ david hockney bradford has it all. apart. mr— david hockney bradford has it all. apart, mr speaker, from government support _ apart, mr speaker, from government support. one practical way to help reverse _ support. one practical way to help reverse the transport secretary's slumped _ reverse the transport secretary's slumped to bradford in the integrated rail clamp and i ask him if he will— integrated rail clamp and i ask him if he will look again at this and commit — if he will look again at this and commit to— if he will look again at this and commit to delivering real northern powerhouse mail, including a stop in bradford _ powerhouse mail, including a stop in bradford city? | powerhouse mail, including a stop in bradford city?— bradford city? i congratulate bradford city? i congratulate bradford on _ bradford city? i congratulate bradford on being _ bradford city? i congratulate | bradford on being shortlisted bradford city? i congratulate i bradford on being shortlisted in bradford city? i congratulate - bradford on being shortlisted in the way the wonderful city has been but i think she is wrong about what the integrated rail plant said because already it is committing to cut the

journey time is from leeds to bradford from 20 minutes to 12 minutes, if i remember correctly. and we are continuing to look at ways of making sure that high—speed rail go directly to bradford. thank ou, mr rail go directly to bradford. thank you, mr speaker. _ rail go directly to bradford. thank you, mr speaker. the _ rail go directly to bradford. thank you, mr speaker. the horrifying l you, mr speaker. the horrifying events— you, mr speaker. the horrifying events in— you, mr speaker. the horrifying events in ukraine must be central to our focus _ events in ukraine must be central to our focus and we should do everything possible to stand together in support. war in europe has a _ together in support. war in europe has a challenging domestic outcomes, with higher— has a challenging domestic outcomes, with higher energy costs, rising food _ with higher energy costs, rising food prices, and effects on supplies and inflation across the economy in general _ and inflation across the economy in general. does the prime minister agree _ general. does the prime minister agree with me that this is a time where _ agree with me that this is a time where we — agree with me that this is a time where we need to come together as a nation, _ where we need to come together as a nation, and _ where we need to come together as a nation, and anyone seeking to weaponise putin's deliberate and calculated consequences of the war will only— calculated consequences of the war will only undermine the unity of our nation _ will only undermine the unity of our nation at _ will only undermine the unity of our nation at a — will only undermine the unity of our nation at a time when europe is in crisis? _ nation at a time when europe is in crisis? i— nation at a time when europe is in crisis? ., ~ ,

nation at a time when europe is in crisis? . ,, , ., ., ., , crisis? i thank my right honourable friend very much _ crisis? i thank my right honourable friend very much for _ crisis? i thank my right honourable friend very much for what - crisis? i thank my right honourable friend very much for what he - crisis? i thank my right honourable friend very much for what he had l friend very much for what he had said and i think one of the most important things that has confounded vladimir putin has not only been the resistance of the ukrainians, the heroic resistance, but the unity of the rest of the world, and i must say that so sofa the relative unity and important unity of this house. —— say so far. and important unity of this house. -- say so far-— -- say so far. the prime list has been very _ -- say so far. the prime list has been very supportive _ -- say so far. the prime list has been very supportive of- -- say so far. the prime list has been very supportive of uk - -- say so far. the prime list has i been very supportive of uk testing hetter— been very supportive of uk testing better and so been very supportive of uk testing betterand so i'm been very supportive of uk testing better and so i'm sure he will be shocked — better and so i'm sure he will be shocked that today the daily mirror has uncovered 40 pages that make 140 pages _ has uncovered 40 pages that make 140 pages of— has uncovered 40 pages that make 140 pages of data in a 1988 government report, _ pages of data in a 1988 government report, and there was concern that the high— report, and there was concern that the high court and this house i have been _ the high court and this house i have been inadvertently misinformed in 2008 _ been inadvertently misinformed in 2008 when told that only 159 men in uk nuclear— 2008 when told that only 159 men in uk nuclear weapons tests were exposed — uk nuclear weapons tests were exposed to dangerous radiation went the data _ exposed to dangerous radiation went the data that shows exposure numbers were actually 2314. will he urgently

investigate this and arrange to meet personally— investigate this and arrange to meet personally in downing street with my constituent, her grandad and other nuclear— constituent, her grandad and other nuclear testing better and is to bring _ nuclear testing better and is to bring an— nuclear testing better and is to bring an end to this national scandal? _ bring an end to this national scandal? | bring an end to this national scandal? ., ~ bring an end to this national scandal? . ,, ., ., ., , scandal? i thank the honourable member very — scandal? i thank the honourable member very much _ scandal? i thank the honourable member very much for - scandal? i thank the honourable member very much for bringing | scandal? i thank the honourable - member very much for bringing those facts, new facts to the attention of the house and i know that my office has been in touch with the group concerned to make sure we have a proper meeting, and i hope very much that she will be there and we will be able to discuss all the issues she has raised. flan be able to discuss all the issues she has raised.— she has raised. can i begin by thankina she has raised. can i begin by thanking the _ she has raised. can i begin by thanking the government - she has raised. can i begin by thanking the government and | she has raised. can i begin by - thanking the government and the home secretary— thanking the government and the home secretary in _ thanking the government and the home secretary in particular as chair of the appg — secretary in particular as chair of the appg on surrogacy for her work to bring _ the appg on surrogacy for her work to bring ukrainian surrogates to safety _ to bring ukrainian surrogates to safety here? my role as a chair on the appg — safety here? my role as a chair on the appg on anti—semitism is not so positive _ the appg on anti—semitism is not so positive from we heard from jewish students _ positive from we heard from jewish students recently while suffering record _ students recently while suffering record anti—semitic attacks on university— record anti—semitic attacks on university campuses including allegations of them being marked down _ allegations of them being marked down by— allegations of them being marked down by their own professors. is a completely— down by their own professors. is a completely outrageous and you would

expect _ completely outrageous and you would expect the nus to be on their side but instead of helping them, they have been inviting somebody who was engaged _ have been inviting somebody who was engaged in _ have been inviting somebody who was engaged in anti—semitic conspiracy theories. _ engaged in anti—semitic conspiracy theories. a — engaged in anti—semitic conspiracy theories, a rapper, to a conference. can the _ theories, a rapper, to a conference. can the promise to do everything he can to _ can the promise to do everything he can to ensure campuses are a safe place _ can to ensure campuses are a safe place for— can to ensure campuses are a safe place for britishjewish can to ensure campuses are a safe place for british jewish students? mr speaker, i think our universities have forfar too long mr speaker, i think our universities have for far too long been tolerant of casual or indeed systematic anti—semitism, and i think that is why it's very important, and i hope everybody understands the need for change and rapid and irreversible change, but also important we have an anti—semitism task force devoted to rooting out anti—semitism in education at all levels. last week the government did nothing to stop _ last week the government did nothing to stop p&o ferries sucking 800 seafarers — to stop p&o ferries sucking 800 seafarers on the spot. on the same day, the _ seafarers on the spot. on the same day, the work and pensions minister was forced _ day, the work and pensions minister was forced to come to the house to

announce _ was forced to come to the house to announce over 1100 dwpjob losses and 42 _ announce over 1100 dwpjob losses and 42 centre closures, risking a further— and 42 centre closures, risking a further 7000 jobs including 1300 in the north—east. working people are once again — the north—east. working people are once again being hammered by this government in the middle of the cost of living _ government in the middle of the cost of living crisis, causing genuine suffering — of living crisis, causing genuine suffering. why won't the prime minister— suffering. why won't the prime minister act to protect local communities from losing real high—qualityjobs? | communities from losing real high-qualityjobs?_ communities from losing real high-quality jobs? high-quality 'obs? i renew my s math high-quality 'obs? i renew my sympathy is — high-quality jobs? i renew my sympathy is with _ high-quality jobs? i renew my sympathy is with the - high-quality jobs? i renew my sympathy is with the case - high-quality jobs? i renew my sympathy is with the case of l high-quality jobs? i renew my l sympathy is with the case of the high-quality jobs? i renew my - sympathy is with the case of the p80 sympathy is with the case of the p&o workers and i have explained to the house what we are doing, and we will. but what we are also doing is helping the workforce up and down the country to get the coaching they need. we have doubled the number of work coaches, mr speaker, and what we are seeing is employment climbing, we are seeing vacancies growing, mr speaker, we are helping this country into work and that is what conservatives do.—

this country into work and that is what conservatives do. go about their lives or — what conservatives do. go about their lives or even _ what conservatives do. go about their lives or even get _ what conservatives do. go about their lives or even get to _ what conservatives do. go about their lives or even get to work - their lives or even get to work because — their lives or even get to work because their— their lives or even get to work because their driving - their lives or even get to work because their driving licencesl their lives or even get to work. because their driving licences are stuck— because their driving licences are stuck at — because their driving licences are stuck at the — because their driving licences are stuck at the dvla. _ because their driving licences are stuck at the dvla. what- because their driving licences are stuck at the dvla. what the - because their driving licences are i stuck at the dvla. what the prime minister— stuck at the dvla. what the prime minister make _ stuck at the dvla. what the prime minister make it _ stuck at the dvla. what the prime minister make it clear— stuck at the dvla. what the prime minister make it clear at— stuck at the dvla. what the prime minister make it clear at the - minister make it clear at the dispatch— minister make it clear at the dispatch box— minister make it clear at the dispatch box that _ minister make it clear at the dispatch box that the - minister make it clear at the| dispatch box that the service minister make it clear at the - dispatch box that the service from the agency— dispatch box that the service from the agency falls _ dispatch box that the service from the agency falls significantly- dispatch box that the service froml the agency falls significantly below what we _ the agency falls significantly below what we expect? _ the agency falls significantly below what we expect? and _ the agency falls significantly below what we expect? and what - the agency falls significantly below what we expect? and what he - the agency falls significantly below. what we expect? and what he asked the transport — what we expect? and what he asked the transport secretary _ what we expect? and what he asked the transport secretary to _ what we expect? and what he asked the transport secretary to meet - what we expect? and what he asked| the transport secretary to meet with me and _ the transport secretary to meet with me and any— the transport secretary to meet with me and any other— the transport secretary to meet with me and any other member— the transport secretary to meet with me and any other member of- the transport secretary to meet with me and any other member of this . me and any other member of this house, _ me and any other member of this house, i— me and any other member of this house, ithink— me and any other member of this house, i think we _ me and any other member of this house, i think we may— me and any other member of this house, i think we may need - me and any other member of this house, i think we may need a - me and any other member of this house, i think we may need a bigj house, i think we may need a big room _ house, i think we may need a big room. to— house, i think we may need a big room, to explain— house, i think we may need a big room, to explain how— house, i think we may need a big room, to explain how we - house, i think we may need a big room, to explain how we can- house, i think we may need a big| room, to explain how we can help them _ room, to explain how we can help them out — room, to explain how we can help them out of— room, to explain how we can help them out of the _ room, to explain how we can help them out of the big _ room, to explain how we can help them out of the big hole - room, to explain how we can help them out of the big hole they- room, to explain how we can helpl them out of the big hole they have put themselves _ them out of the big hole they have put themselves in. _ them out of the big hole they have put themselves in. mr— them out of the big hole they have put themselves in.— put themselves in. mr speaker, i think like everybody _ put themselves in. mr speaker, i think like everybody in _ put themselves in. mr speaker, i think like everybody in this - put themselves in. mr speaker, i | think like everybody in this house put themselves in. mr speaker, i l think like everybody in this house i have read some surprising things about what's going on at the dvla. i think we need to make sure they are given every possible encouragement and support to expedite the supply of driving licences to the people in this country. of driving licences to the people in this country-— of driving licences to the people in thiscount . ., ~ this country. thank you, mr speaker. it's nice to see _ this country. thank you, mr speaker. it's nice to see the _ this country. thank you, mr speaker. it's nice to see the prime _ this country. thank you, mr speaker. it's nice to see the prime minister. it's nice to see the prime minister back, _ it's nice to see the prime minister back, i_ it's nice to see the prime minister back, i missed him last week.

fantasy— back, i missed him last week. fantasy castle, perhaps snow white and bn. _ fantasy castle, perhaps snow white and bn, certainly girls, girls were promised — and bn, certainly girls, girls were promised at a party. it seems the prime _ promised at a party. it seems the prime minister has been entertained at these _ prime minister has been entertained at these bongo bongo party is hosted by his— at these bongo bongo party is hosted by his close friend, a russian oligarch _ by his close friend, a russian oligarch. given his many weaknesses, could _ oligarch. given his many weaknesses, could leave _ oligarch. given his many weaknesses, could leave him open to blackmail. why does _ could leave him open to blackmail. why does the prime minister think that mlbm — why does the prime minister think that mi6... why does the... why does the prime _ that mi6... why does the... why does the prime minister think that mi6 may not— the prime minister think that mi6 may not entirely trust him? mr may not entirely trust him? speaker, may not entirely trust him? mr speaker, last week i wasn't may not entirely trust him? ii speaker, last week i wasn't here to benefit from one of his elaborate lay confected questions. i admire his style, mr speaker, i'm afraid i

simply failed to detect any crouton of substance in the minestrone of nonsense he has just of substance in the minestrone of nonsense he hasjust spoken. nonsense he has 'ust spoken. thank ou, mr nonsense he hasjust spoken. thank you. mr speaker- — nonsense he hasjust spoken. thank you, mr speaker. mr _ nonsense he hasjust spoken. thank you, mr speaker. mr speaker, - nonsense he hasjust spoken. thank you, mr speaker. mr speaker, wrexham is a town— you, mr speaker. mr speaker, wrexham is a town based — you, mr speaker. mr speaker, wrexham is a town based on— you, mr speaker. mr speaker, wrexham is a town based on brewing, _ you, mr speaker. mr speaker, wrexham is a town based on brewing, mining - is a town based on brewing, mining and football — is a town based on brewing, mining and football. in _ is a town based on brewing, mining and football. in aspiration, - and football. in aspiration, prosperity— and football. in aspiration, prosperity and _ and football. in aspiration, prosperity and creativity. l and football. in aspiration, . prosperity and creativity. can and football. in aspiration, - prosperity and creativity. can the prime _ prosperity and creativity. can the prime minister— prosperity and creativity. can the prime minister congratulate - prosperity and creativity. can the - prime minister congratulate wrexham on being _ prime minister congratulate wrexham on being shortlisted _ prime minister congratulate wrexham on being shortlisted for— prime minister congratulate wrexham on being shortlisted for the _ prime minister congratulate wrexham on being shortlisted for the city- prime minister congratulate wrexham on being shortlisted for the city of- on being shortlisted for the city of culture? _ on being shortlisted for the city of culture? — on being shortlisted for the city of culture? the _ on being shortlisted for the city of culture? the first— on being shortlisted for the city of culture? the first welsh - on being shortlisted for the city of culture? the first welsh townl on being shortlisted for the city of. culture? the first welsh town to do so _ culture? the first welsh town to do so. ~ ,,, ., ,, culture? the first welsh town to doso. ~ . ., , ., do so. mr speaker, wrexham is not only shortlisted _ do so. mr speaker, wrexham is not only shortlisted for _ do so. mr speaker, wrexham is not only shortlisted for the _ do so. mr speaker, wrexham is not only shortlisted for the city - do so. mr speaker, wrexham is not only shortlisted for the city of - only shortlisted for the city of culture with all the distinctions she mentions but is also the city of vaccines, mr speaker. without the astrazeneca vaccines bottled in wrexham, we literally wouldn't be

where we are today. mr wrexham, we literally wouldn't be where we are today.— wrexham, we literally wouldn't be where we are today. mr speaker, lord a: new has where we are today. mr speaker, lord agnew has described _ where we are today. mr speaker, lord agnew has described the _ where we are today. mr speaker, lord agnew has described the chancellor i agnew has described the chancellor failure _ agnew has described the chancellor failure on _ agnew has described the chancellor failure on covid fraud one of the most _ failure on covid fraud one of the most colossal cock ups in recent government management and taxpayers are paying _ government management and taxpayers are paying for it. we now know the chancellor — are paying for it. we now know the chancellor failure has cost the country — chancellor failure has cost the country £11.8 billion, almost exactly— country £11.8 billion, almost exactly the same as the amount national— exactly the same as the amount national insurance will be increased on working — national insurance will be increased on working people in the coming year. does the prime minister think it is fair— year. does the prime minister think it is fair to — year. does the prime minister think it is fair to demand working people pay the _ it is fair to demand working people pay the bill for the chancellor failures? _ pay the bill for the chancellor failures? | pay the bill for the chancellor failures? , ., , failures? i remember him when he was doinr failures? i remember him when he was doing planning — failures? i remember him when he was doing planning at— failures? i remember him when he was doing planning at the _ failures? i remember him when he was doing planning at the council, - failures? i remember him when he was doing planning at the council, and - failures? i remember him when he was doing planning at the council, and a - doing planning at the council, and a complete copy made of that! but what i can tell him is that this government has made sure that we got the ppe, we got the supplies that were needed in record time and that was absolutely vital. at a time, mr

speaker, when they were calling on us to go further and faster. i never forget, underthe us to go further and faster. i never forget, under the last labour government there was £23 billion lost in fraud every year.— government there was £23 billion lost in fraud every year. thank you, mr speaker- _ lost in fraud every year. thank you, mr speaker- i _ lost in fraud every year. thank you, mr speaker. i welcome _ lost in fraud every year. thank you, mr speaker. i welcome the - lost in fraud every year. thank you, l mr speaker. i welcome the important interim _ mr speaker. i welcome the important interim report from doctor hillary curse _ interim report from doctor hillary curse in— interim report from doctor hillary curse in which she highlights the need _ curse in which she highlights the need for— curse in which she highlights the need for more research into young .irls need for more research into young girls and _ need for more research into young girls and why so many of them are presenting — girls and why so many of them are presenting with gender distress. will my— presenting with gender distress. will my right honourable friend agreed — will my right honourable friend agreed to meet with me and other concerned — agreed to meet with me and other concerned colleagues to discuss how we can _ concerned colleagues to discuss how we can constructively support these young _ we can constructively support these young people who are experiencing gender— young people who are experiencing gender distress? yes, young people who are experiencing gender distress?— young people who are experiencing gender distress? yes, mr speaker, i would be very _ gender distress? yes, mr speaker, i would be very happy _ gender distress? yes, mr speaker, i would be very happy to _ gender distress? yes, mr speaker, i would be very happy to meet - gender distress? yes, mr speaker, i would be very happy to meet with i gender distress? yes, mr speaker, i | would be very happy to meet with my honourable friend, and i think this is one of those issues that the whole house is coming to realise is one that requires extreme sensitivity, tact, love and care. we must recognise that when people want to make a transition in their lives that they should be treated with the

maximum possible generosity and respect, and we have systems in this country that allow that and have done for a long time, we should be very proud of it. i want to say in addition, mr speaker, that when it comes to distinguishing between a man and a woman that the basic facts of biology remain overwhelmingly important, mr speaker. the prime minister met— important, mr speaker. the prime minister met the _ important, mr speaker. the prime minister met the chairman - important, mr speaker. the prime minister met the chairman of i important, mr speaker. the prime minister met the chairman of p80 | minister met the chairman of p80 owners. _ minister met the chairman of p80 owners, dp world, to discuss setting up owners, dp world, to discuss setting up a free _ owners, dp world, to discuss setting up a free port in london. just last year— up a free port in london. just last year the — up a free port in london. just last year the foreign secretary met dp world _ year the foreign secretary met dp world as _ year the foreign secretary met dp world as well. dp world, they run ports— world as well. dp world, they run ports in— world as well. dp world, they run ports in the — world as well. dp world, they run ports in the uk which employ more than 600 _ ports in the uk which employ more than 600 workers. so if the prime minister— than 600 workers. so if the prime minister wants to remove the latest suspicion _ minister wants to remove the latest suspicion of his conflicts of interest, _ suspicion of his conflicts of interest, will he tell his do by millionaire friends that if they want — millionaire friends that if they

want contracts to run freeports herer _ want contracts to run freeports here they — want contracts to run freeports here, they must reinstate p&o workers — here, they must reinstate p&o workers and guarantee the jobs of dp world _ workers and guarantee the jobs of dp world workers too? we workers and guarantee the 'obs of dp world workers too?i world workers too? we need to use more moderate _ world workers too? we need to use more moderate and _ world workers too? we need to use more moderate and temperate i more moderate and temperate language. prime minister. mr seaker, language. prime minister. ii speaker, i have won overwhelming interest and that is to protect and preserve the jobs and livelihood of the british people and that is what we will do. that is what we do with p&0 we will do. that is what we do with p&o workers but we also make sure we continue to attract overseas investment in the record ways that we currently are. they will drive it away, we won't, mr speaker. this ear away, we won't, mr speaker. this year marks _ away, we won't, mr speaker. this year marks the — away, we won't, mr speaker. this year marks the 50th anniversary of the expulsion of asians from uganda, the expulsion of asians from uganda, the country— the expulsion of asians from uganda, the country where i was born. under ted heath's — the country where i was born. under ted heath's government, people across— ted heath's government, people across the — ted heath's government, people across the country opened up their

homes _ across the country opened up their homes for— across the country opened up their homes for many of these asians who then settled and became part of the fabric— then settled and became part of the fabric of— then settled and became part of the fabric of our great nation. that british— fabric of our great nation. that british generosity is again being seen _ british generosity is again being seen as— british generosity is again being seen as people open up their homes for people _ seen as people open up their homes for people fleeing ukraine as they come _ for people fleeing ukraine as they come to— for people fleeing ukraine as they come to our country. may i urge the prime _ come to our country. may i urge the prime minister to pick up those files _ prime minister to pick up those files from — prime minister to pick up those files from 50 years ago, wipe off the dust— files from 50 years ago, wipe off the dust and take on board those positive — the dust and take on board those positive lessons so we can ensure that the _ positive lessons so we can ensure that the homes for ukraine scheme has the _ that the homes for ukraine scheme has the maximum success? yes, mr seaker, has the maximum success? yes, mr speaker. and _ has the maximum success? yes, mr speaker. and l _ has the maximum success? yes, mr speaker, and i think— has the maximum success? yes, mr speaker, and i think the _ has the maximum success? yes, mr speaker, and i think the whole i speaker, and i think the whole country can be proud of the way the uk welcomed people fleeing uganda and i'm sure there are many members of the house whose family were a beneficiary of that scheme. this country is overwhelmingly generous to people fleeing in fear of their

lives and we will continue to be so. 800 british workers, sacked over zoom _ 800 british workers, sacked over zoom by— 800 british workers, sacked over zoom by p&o, owned by the government of dubai _ zoom by p&o, owned by the government of dubai to— zoom by p&o, owned by the government of dubai to be replaced with foreign exploited _ of dubai to be replaced with foreign exploited agency workers on less than £2 _ exploited agency workers on less than £2 an hour. the prime minister can pass _ than £2 an hour. the prime minister can pass an— than £2 an hour. the prime minister can pass an instrument now to close the loophole so that the national minimum — the loophole so that the national minimum wage applies on uk international routes. is he going to stand _ international routes. is he going to stand up— international routes. is he going to stand up for british workers? or the oil state _ stand up for british workers? or the oil state dictator, dubai? mr speaker. — oil state dictator, dubai? mr speaker. l'm _ oil state dictator, dubai? ii speaker, i'm grateful for his speaker, i'm gratefulfor his question and i knew he was going to ask it, and he was right to ask it. i anticipated his question earlier

on. we will make sure everybody working in the uk at exclusive economic zone gets paid to the living wage, and mr speaker, we will do it as fast as we possibly can with their assistance. i do it as fast as we possibly can with their assistance. i welcome the prime minister's _ with their assistance. i welcome the prime minister's commitment i with their assistance. i welcome the prime minister's commitment to i with their assistance. i welcome the | prime minister's commitment to take le-al prime minister's commitment to take legal action to hold p&o ferries and dp world _ legal action to hold p&o ferries and dp world to account, and i call on them _ dp world to account, and i call on them to— dp world to account, and i call on them to reverse their action and reinstate — them to reverse their action and reinstate the workers. dover and kent _ reinstate the workers. dover and kent are — reinstate the workers. dover and kent are already badly affected by this business including on the roads and business community. will my right— and business community. will my right honourable friend meet with me to discuss— right honourable friend meet with me to discuss specifics support and the enterprise — to discuss specifics support and the enterprise zone to cover and include the port— enterprise zone to cover and include the port of— enterprise zone to cover and include the port of dover? mr enterprise zone to cover and include the port of dover?— the port of dover? mr speaker,, she's right _ the port of dover? mr speaker,, she's right in _ the port of dover? mr speaker,, she's right in what _ the port of dover? mr speaker,, she's right in what she _ the port of dover? mr speaker,, she's right in what she says i the port of dover? mr speaker,, | she's right in what she says about p&0 she's right in what she says about p&o and the 800 workers, and i will make sure she gets all the meetings

she needs to make sure that over, we continue in all our fantastic investments in dover, where the transport or education or otherwise. i'm just going to give a minute for people _ i'm just going to give a minute for people to — i'm just going to give a minute for people to leave before we start the statement. anyone who wants to leave — statement. anyone who wants to leave, please leave now. that brings us to the end — leave, please leave now. that brings us to the end of _ leave, please leave now. that brings us to the end of prime _ leave, please leave now. that brings us to the end of prime minister's i us to the end of prime minister's questions. you heard the speaker saying people will have a moment to leave or move about before of course the major event of the day which is the major event of the day which is the spring statement by rishi sunak. not a budget, he didn't want it to be quite an all singing, all dancing affair, but that is —— has generated huge amounts of interest. the shadow chancellor rachel reeves will be focusing particularly on the national insurance hike coming along next month, 1.25 percentage point

rise for both employees and employers. it was interesting during prime minister's questions, rishi sunak looking a little bit nervous and uncomfortable. of course it is not going to be an easy day for him. looking at the speaker, prime minister's questions pretty lengthy today, but he will be standing for what we think will be about half an hour. i what we think will be about half an hour. ., .., what we think will be about half an hour. ., .. ., . ., ., hour. i now call the chancellor of the exchequer, _ hour. i now call the chancellor of the exchequer, rishi _ hour. i now call the chancellor of the exchequer, rishi sunak. i hour. i now call the chancellor of the exchequer, rishi sunak. mr| the exchequer, rishi sunak. speaker, as i stand here, the exchequer, rishi sunak.- speaker, as i stand here, men, the exchequer, rishi sunak— speaker, as i stand here, men, women and children are huddled in basement across ukraine seeking protection. soldiers and citizens alike have taken up arms to defend their land and families. the sorrow we feel for their suffering and admiration for their suffering and admiration for their bravery is only matched by the gratitude we feel for the security in which we live. and what underpins that security is the strength of our

economy. it gives us the ability to fund the armed forces we need to maintain our liberty, the resources we need to support our allies, the power to impose sanctions which cause severe economic cost and the flexibility to support businesses and individuals through crises as they emerge. but mr speaker, we should be in no doubt, behind the invasion is a dangerous calculation, that democracies are divided, politically weak and economically insecure. incapable of making tough long—term decisions to strengthen our economies. mr speaker, this calculation is mistaken. what the authoritarian mind perceives as the vision we know are the passionate disagreements at the heart of our living, breathing democracy. what

they see as chaos, we know is the freedom to be dynamic and innovative. and what they call the inherent weakness of open societies and free economies, we know is the source of our strength. we will confront this challenge to our values, notjust in the arms and resources we send to ukraine, but in strengthening our economy here at home. so when i talk about security, yes, i mean responding to the war in ukraine but i also mean the security of a pastor growing economy, the security of more resilient public finances, and security for working families as we help with the cost of living —— faster growing economy. today's statement build a stronger, more secure economy for the united kingdom. we have a moral responsibility to use our economic

strength to support ukraine and working with international partners, to impose severe costs on putin's regime. we are supplying military aid to help ukraine defend its borders, providing around £400 million in economic and humanitarian aid as well as up to half $1 billion in multilateralfinancial guarantees. and launching the new homes for ukraine scheme to make sure those forced to flee have a route to safety here in the uk. and we are imposing sanctions of unprecedented scale and scope. we sanctioned over 1000 individuals and entities and subsidiaries, frozen the assets of major russian banks, imposed punitive tariffs on key products, restricted russian access to sterling clearing, to insurance, the uk's capital market, swift and targeting the russian central bank.

be in no doubt, these sanctions coordinated with our allies are working. at the russian rouble plummeted to record lows, the moscow stock exchange has been largely suspended for a month, and the central bank of russia has been forced to more than double interest rates, to 20%. we warned that an aggressive, unprovoked invasion would be met with severe economic costs, and it has. iam proud would be met with severe economic costs, and it has. i am proud to say, as the whole house will say, we stand with ukraine. but mr speaker, the actions we have taken to sanction putin shove regime are not cost free for us at home —— mr putin's regime. the invasion presents a risk to our recovery as it does to countries around the world. we came into this crisis with our economy growing faster than expected, with the uk having the

highest growth rate in the g7 last year, the obr has said specifically that there is unusually high uncertainty around the outlook. it is too early to know the full impact of the ukraine war on the uk economy. but their initial view, combined with high global inflation and continuing supply chain pressures, means the obr now forecasts growth this year of 3.8%. the obr expects the economy to grow by 1.8% in 2023, and 2.1, the obr expects the economy to grow by1.8% in 2023, and 2.1, 1.8, and 1.7% in the following three years. the house will take comfort that the lower growth outlook has not affected our strong jobs performance. unemployment is now forecast to be lower in every year of the forecast. it is already at 3.9% come back to the lower levels

we saw before the pandemic. but mr speaker, the war�*s most significant impact domestically is on the cost of living. covid and globalfactors meant goods and energy prices were already high, statistics published this morning show inflation in february was 6.2%, lower than the us and broadly in line with the euro area. disruptions to global supply chains and energy markets combined with the economic response to putin's aggression means the obr expect inflation to rise further, averaging 7.4% this year. as i said last month, the government will support the british people as they deal with the rising cost of energy. people should know that we will stand by them, as we have throughout the last two years. that is why we have announced a £9 billion plan to

help around 28 million households pay around half the april increase in the price cap and people should be reassured that the energy price cap will protect their energy bills between now and the autumn. but i want to help people now. so i am announcing three immediate measures. first, i am going to help motorists. today i can announce, for only the second time in 20 years, fuel duty will be cut. not by one or even by two but by 5p per litre. the biggest cut to all fuel duty rates ever. and while some have called for the cut to last until august, i have decided it will be in place until march next year, a full 12 months. together with the freeze, it is a tax cut this year for hard—working families and businesses, worth over £5

billion. and it will take effect from 6pm tonight. second, as energy costs rise, we know that energy efficiency will make a big difference to bills. if homeowners want to install energy—saving materials, at the moment, only some items qualify for a 5% vat relief, and there are complex rules about who is eligible. the relief used to be more generous but from 2019, the european court ofjustice required us to restrict its eligibility. but thanks to brexit, we are no longer constrained by eu law. so i can announce for the next five years, home owners having materials like solar panels, heat pumps or insulation installed will no longer pay 5% vat, they will pay zero. we

will also reverse the eu's decision to take wind and water turbines out of scope and zero rate them as well. and we will abolish all the red tape imposed on us by the eu. family having a solar panel installed will see tax savings worth £1000, and savings on their energy bills of over £300 per year. and mr speaker, this policy highlights the deficiencies in the northern ireland protocol. because we will not immediately be able to apply it to northern ireland. but we will be raising it with the commission as a matter of urgency. and i want to reassure members from northern ireland that the executive will receive a barnet share of the value of the relief until it can be introduced uk wide. and the prime minister will bring forward further

measures to reinforce how a long—term energy security in the coming weeks. and finally i want to do more to help our most vulnerable households with rising costs. they need targeted support. so i am doubling the household support fund to £1 billion with £500 million of new funding from local authorities are best placed to help those in needin are best placed to help those in need in their local areas, and they will receive this funding from april. mr speaker, we can only afford to provide this extra support because of our stronger economy. and the tough but responsible decisions we have taken to rebuild ourfiscal resilience. today's forecast confirm, even after the measures i am announcing today, meeting all our fiscal rules, underlying debt expected to fall steadily from 83.5%

of gdp in 2022-23, expected to fall steadily from 83.5% of gdp in 2022—23, two expected to fall steadily from 83.5% of gdp in 2022-23, two 79.8% in 26-27. of gdp in 2022-23, two 79.8% in 26—27. borrowing as a of gdp in 2022—23, two 79.8% in 26—27. borrowing as a percentage of gdp in 2022-23, two 79.8% in 26—27. borrowing as a percentage of gdp is 5.4% this year, 3.9% next year and 1.9, gdp is 5.4% this year, 3.9% next yearand1.9, 1.3, 1.2 gdp is 5.4% this year, 3.9% next year and 1.9, 1.3, 1.2 and 1.1% in the following years. ata year and 1.9, 1.3, 1.2 and 1.1% in the following years. at a time when the following years. at a time when the obr have said that our fiscal headroom could be wiped out by relatively small changes to the economic outlook, it is right that the central fiscaljudgment i am making today is to meet our fiscal rules with a margin of safety. the obr have not accounted for the full impacts of the war in ukraine. and we should be prepared for the economy and public finances to worsen potentially significantly. and the cost of borrowing is continuing to rise. in the next

financial year, we are forecast to spend £83 billion on debt interest, highest on record. and almost four times the amount we spent last year. that is why, mr speaker, we have already taken difficult decisions with the public finances and that is why we will continue to wait carefully calls for additional public spending. more borrowing is not cost or risk free. i said it last autumn and i say it again today, borrowing down debt down, only the conservatives can be trusted with taxpayers' money. so mr speaker, our response to the immediate crisis in ukraine has been unwavering. but we must be equally bold in response to the deeper and more fundamental challenge putin

poses to our values. we must show the world that freedom and democracy remained the best route to peace, prosperity and happiness. we will do so by strengthening our economy here at home. to that end we are helping families with the cost of living, creating the conditions for accelerated growth and productivity, and making sure the proceeds of growth are shared fairly. that is not the work of any one statement, but it does begin today and with one of our most important levers, the tax system. i told the house last autumn, my overarching ambition was to reduce taxes by the end of this parliament. and we will do so in a way that is responsible and sustainable. today i am publishing a tax plan. we will take a principled

approach to cutting taxes. maintaining space against our fiscal rules, as i have done today continues to be disciplined with the first call on any extra resources being lower taxes, not higher spending and of course carefully considering the broader macro economic outlook. with those principles in mind, our renewed tax plan will build a stronger economy by reducing and reforming taxes over this parliament in three ways. first, we will help families with the cost of living. second, we will create the conditions for higher growth. and third, we will share the proceeds of growth fairly, ensuring people are left with more of their own money. let me take each in turn. mr speaker, there is now a dedicated funding source for the country's top priority, the nhs and social care. providing funding over the long term

as demand grows with every penny going straight to health and care. fit goes, then so does the funding, and that funding is needed now —— if it goes. especially as the health secretary's plans to reform health care will ensure every pound of taxpayer money is well spent. when i said the conservatives were the party of public services, the party of the nhs, i didn'tjust mean when it was easy, it is a total commitment. so it is right that the health and care levy stays. but a long—term funding solution for the nhs and social care is not incompatible with reducing taxes on working families. over the last decade, it has been a conservative mission to promote tax cuts for working people and simplify the

system. that is why conservative led governments raised the income tax personal allowance from six point —— 6000 £500 in 2010 to the new level of £12,570. but the equivalent threshold in national insurance, which define how much people can earn are still around £3000 less. the prime minister pledged in the 2019 election that we would increase those thresholds. we made a big step towards that goal in my first budget in 2020, increasing the national insurance threshold to £9,500. today, we take the next step. our current plan is to increase the threshold this year by £300. but i'm not going to do that, mr speaker, i'm going to increase it by the full

£3000. delivering our promise to fully equalise the income tax threshold, and not incrementally over many years, but in one go, this year. from thisjuly, people will be able to earn £12,570 a year without paying a single penny of income tax or national insurance! that is a £6 billion personal tax cut for 30 million people across the united kingdom. a tax cut for employees worth over £330 a year. the largest increase in a basic rate threshold ever and the largest single personal tax cut in a decade. the institute for fiscal studies has

called it the best way to