Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has insisted the government is focusing on 'delivering the growth plan' and 'protecting people right across the country' despite a week of market turmoil.
He said it would be"premature" of him to decide now on whether to keep the Johnson government's promise to put up benefits in April by this month's rate of inflation - which is 10%.
"But we are absolutely focused on making sure that the most vulnerable in our society are protected through what could be a challenging time," he said.The chancellor added that the government is committed to the triple pensions lock, which means state pensions will increase in line with whichever is highest of: consumer price inflation, average wage growth or 2.5%.
Earlier today, Ms Truss said the government's tax-cutting measures are the"right plan" in the face of rising energy bills and said they will get the economy growing.Mr Kwarteng today sent a message to Conservative MPs trying to allay their concerns after many failed to be reassured by a phone call from him on Wednesday.
"I understand your concern. We are one team and need to remain focused," the message seen by Sky News says. "There is immense global market volatility - not just a UK issue - being driven by war, COVID hangover, and a super strong USD all other major currencies are wrestling with .He then said he understood the government needs to be"credible with markets" and promised to show markets the plan is"sound, credible and will work to drive growth".
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