What they said

‘I am pleased to report to the House on a UK economy that has grown in every year since 2010.’

‘Today we have the indefensible spectacle of a Chancellor congratulating himself on marginally improved economic forecasts, while refusing to lift a finger as councils go bust and the NHS and social care are in crisis.’

‘Businesses will be encouraged by the Chancellor’s report on the UK’s fiscal health . . . yet as deficit and debt levels improve, the Chancellor must resist calls to pour money into politically-attractive, short-term spending priorities.’