Oral QuestionTreasury

“What steps he is taking to ensure an equitable distribution of infrastructure investment between London and the north of England.”

Tabled: 20 December 2019Answered: 7 January 2020

Asked by

Dame Diana Johnson

Labour — Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

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.