The MP for Penrith and the Border, Dr Neil Hudson, gave a wide-ranging speech in the commons supporting the government's budget.

In the customary four days of debate that followed the chancellor's spring budget announcement, Dr Hudson drew MPs attention to the issues 'important to him and his constituents.'

He praised retention of the triple lock on pensions, 'support' for the hospitality and tourism industry, continuing the fuel duty freeze  and closing the tax loophole on furnished holiday homes.

Dr Hudson also backed spending on energy support, the NHS and the A66 which was recently given the green light for vital upgrades by the Transport Secretary.

READ MORE: Local political reaction to key budget announced by Jeremy Hunt

Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson MP said: "I was delighted to welcome the Budget in the Chamber and look forward to implementing the exciting policies surrounding the hospitality sector, fuel duty and family support." 

The budget has been roundly criticised by the opposition parties with the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer calling it a "last desperate act" with people paying "more and more for less and less".