Queen's Speech — Programme for Government — Economy — 8 Jun 2010 at 21:45

The majority of MPs voted against an amendment criticising the economic measures contained within the Liberal - Conservative Coalition's programme for government.

The vote took place while MPs were debating the programme for government; initial elements of which had been set out in summery form in The Queen's Speech.

A Labour opposition amendment was moved by the Shadow Chancellor Alistair Darling. The motion was technically on the subject of a message of thanks which the house is to send the monarch for reading out the speech. The motion was rejected but had it passed it would have added the following to the end of the message of thanks:

• endorse the successful steps taken by the previous administration to return the economy to growth, to keep people in their jobs and homes, and to support businesses;
• note the need for a clear plan to bring down the deficit;
• respectfully believe that securing the recovery and robust future growth should be central to that plan; further believe that such a plan must be fair and protect front line public services;
• therefore oppose your Government's measures to cut the support provided by the Future Jobs Fund for tens of thousands of young people out of work, to damage growth in the regions by scaling back regional development agencies, and to cast uncertainty over support for key low carbon sectors like the nuclear supply chain and lower carbon vehicles;
• further note that a rebalanced British economy must be built as the UK emerges from the recession; and
• therefore urge your Government to reconsider the removal of investment allowances which support manufacturing businesses seeking to grow."

Debate in Parliament | Source |