Oral QuestionTreasury

If he will have discussions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the potential merits of uprating benefits in line with inflation.

Tabled: 8 November 2023Answered: 14 November 2023

Asked by

Wendy Chamberlain

Liberal DemocratNorth East Fife

Answering Minister

the Chancellor of the Exchequer

Answer from Hansard

The Prime Minister

Before I answer that question, I have just been handed a note saying that I inadvertently said that we did a trade deal with North Korea, rather than South Korea. That would be breaking news and not very good. Before I am referred to the Privileges Committee, can I correct the record in that regard? It was a slip of the tongue, but a pretty unfortunate one. In relation to my hon. Friend’s question, families and farmers are rightly frustrated about being impacted by a war that the UK did not start. Protecting working people is our priority. Today, we are cutting red diesel costs for farmers by a third, delivering the lowest rate for 20 years. That is alongside a record £11.8 billion for the farming budget and a new national programme to redistribute surplus food. We will make sure that no one in this country goes hungry. I can confirm that the Chancellor will make further announcements tomorrow.