Topical Questions

Mr Gagan Mohindra (South West Hertfordshire) (Con) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, to make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The Chancellor acknowledged the £22 billion black hole in the public finances inherited by the Government and stated that tough choices would be required to rectify the situation. She also announced plans to clamp down on excessive government spending on consultancy, which has increased significantly under the previous administration. In response to Mr Mohindra's follow-up question, the Chancellor defended the Government's commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating that she had met with the Ukrainian Finance Minister and made a pledge to continue the extraordinary revenue acceleration programme. She also reiterated the Government's support for the Ukrainian people against the Russian invasion. Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op) raised concerns about the impact of rising rents and the loss of cost-of-living payments on pensioners in her constituency, particularly their ability to keep warm this winter. The Chancellor acknowledged the challenges faced by pensioners and stated that the Government is working with local authorities to boost the take-up of pension credit, which she believes is crucial in supporting the poorest pensioners. Jeremy Hunt (Godalming and Ash) (Con) questioned the Chancellor about the appointment of Ian Corfield as a Treasury director, suggesting that there may have been a conflict of interest due to Corfield's previous donation to the Labour Party. The Chancellor defended the appointment, stating that the donation was declared and the civil service process was followed. Other MPs, including Paula Barker (Liverpool Wavertree) (Lab), Greg Smith (Mid Buckinghamshire) (Con), and Chris McDonald (Stockton North) (Lab), raised various issues related to government spending, the Bank of England, and investment in green industries. The Chancellor and other Treasury ministers provided responses addressing these concerns.