Rishi Sunak defends record on economy on Oxfordshire visit

He's been joined by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as figures show economy grew by nought-point-6 percent in the first three months of this year.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Oxfordshire
Author: Andrea FoxPublished 10th May 2024

Rishi Sunak has insisted that "things are starting to feel better" and that confidence in the economy is growing.

Speaking at a visit to a business in Oxfordshire, the Prime Minister said: "After undoubtedly a difficult couple of years that the country has had, actually now things are starting to feel better.

"Confidence is returning to the economy and the country, and I hope that you're starting to feel that too."

He was joined at the visit by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Conservative MP for Witney Robert Courts.

Net Zero

Rishi Sunak has defended the Government's policies on net zero, saying it would reach targets in "a more pragmatic way".

The Prime Minister acknowledged he had received "a lot of flak" for his policies but said it was "the right thing for our country".

Mr Sunak fielded questions from business staff during a Q and A at a company in Oxfordshire.

Asked how the Government would monitor companies on environmental targets, he said: "I said I'm going to make a change here, we're going to do this differently.

"I'm not going to force you to spend £5,000, £10,000, £15,000 prematurely ripping out stuff, changing things, changing cars and boilers... and instead, we'll get there in a more pragmatic way."

Mr Sunak added: "I think that's the right thing for the country, and that will be my approach to companies as well."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.