Asks about meeting with North Sea oil producers and potential impact of sustained oil price hike on UK inflation target.
Stephanie
Chancellor
Budget measures (energy bill cap, prescription/rail fare freezes) will proceed, providing near-term consumer relief. OBR and BoE confirm government actions are bringing inflation down faster than expected.
Notes that recent gilt yield falls (supporting lower borrowing costs) have reversed on market concerns, delaying expected BoE rate cuts.
Stephanie
Chancellor
Declines to comment on short-term market moves, stating it's too early to judge economic impact. Primary focus is citizen safety.
Asks if US-UK trade deal is at risk due to political tensions over Middle East policy.
Stephanie
Chancellor
Defense decisions are based on legality and national interest, not trade negotiations. Confirms existing US trade deals remain in place and seeks deeper capital market links.
Questions if government could have done better economically given voter disappointment in polls.
Stephanie
Chancellor
Points to progress: wages outpacing inflation, six rate cuts saving mortgage holders money. Acknowledges legacy of past parliament's decline but focuses on restoring stability as foundation for improvement.
Asks if lower growth forecast due to reduced net migration signifies a new UK growth model based on higher productivity from existing workforce.
Stephanie
Chancellor
Affirms focus on attracting high-value global talent via visas while tightening rules on low-skilled migration. Revising up GDP per capita forecasts is key metric for living standards.
Asks if AI disruption threatens UK's leading professional services sectors.
Stephanie
Chancellor
Optimistic on AI/innovation, viewing it as a net job creator historically. Stresses need for skills investment to seize the opportunity.
Notes reports of financial sector professionals moving assets/children to Dubai, questioning UK's safe-haven status amid geopolitical risk.
Stephanie
Chancellor
Acknowledges some outward movement but counters that UK's safety, strong defenses, and economic security remain key attractions, funded by necessary investment.