PMQs: Liz Truss says she is ‘absolutely’ committed to not making public spending cuts – UK politics live

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From 30m ago

Starmer says freezing energy bills was a Labour idea in the first place.

During the leadership contest Truss said she was not contemplating public spending reductions. Will she stick to that?

“Absolutely,” says Truss.

She says she wants to spend public money well.

Matt Western (Lab) says we have had five weeks of crisis. The country has been left wanting divorce, he says. Polls show 60% of people want an election. Will Truss call one?

Truss says: “I think the last thing we need is a general election.”

And that’s the end of PMQs.

Sarah Olney (Lib Dem) asks if Truss still backs a third runway at Heathrow. Olney represents Richmond Park in London, where residents are strongly opposed.

Truss says she is in favour. But she wants the air industry to become more environmentally friendly, she says.

Miriam Cates (Con) asks about allegations about the transgender charity Mermaids. She calls for a police investigation.

Truss says these matters should be properly investigated.

Justin Madders (Lab) asks if Kwasi Kwarteng was right to say fracking would not cut energy prices any time soon.

Truss says she is pulling ever lever to improve energy security. That includes solar panels “in the right place”, she says.

Rebecca Pow (Con) asks if the government can promote growth whilst also supporting farmers to care for the environment.

Truss says Pow did a good job promoting the environment as a minister. She says the government wants to deliver growth in an environmentally-friendly way.

Truss says the government should not be putting up taxes for businesses. If it did, it would raise less revenue, she claims.

Rosie Cooper (Lab) asks Truss to explain how she will ensure that fracking only goes ahead where communities want it.

Truss says fracking will only go ahead “in areas where there is local community support”.

Gagan Mohindra (Con) asks if Truss agrees that only the Conservative party is on the side of enterprise.

Truss says the Tories understand who pays our wages. It is people who go to work. She will be unashamedly pro-growth, she says.

Natalie Elphicke (Con) asks Truss to confirm that she offered joint patrols with the French on French beaches. And will the government agree not to pay the French more until they agree to this?

Truss says she discussed this with President Macron last week. She hopes to get an agreement on this, she says.

Ian Lavery (Lab) says nurses have gone from being seen as heroes to being depicted as villains by this government. He says they deserve a better pay rise.

Truss says nurses do a fantastic job. The pay review body recommended a ?1,400 pay rise on average, and that is what the government will deliver, she says.

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