Philip Hammond’s Budget announcement, full transcript

Mr Deputy Speaker, I report today on an economy that has continued to confound the commentators with robust growth. A labour market delivering record employment. And a deficit down by over two-thirds. As we start our negotiations to exit the European Union, this Budget takes forward our plan to prepare Britain for a brighter future. It provides a strong and stable platform for those negotiations. It extends opportunity to all our young people. It delivers further investment in our public services. And it continues the task of getting Britain back to living within its means. We are building the foundations of a stronger, fairer, more global Britain.

Mr Deputy Speaker, As the House knows, this will be the last Spring Budget. The Treasury has helpfully reminded me that I am not the first Chancellor to announce the “last spring Budget” Twenty four-years ago Norman Lamont also presented what was billed then as “the last Spring Budget”.