Croaky Theresa May slaps down Jeremy Corbyn for mixing up the IFS and the IMF in PMQs
Prime Minister pokes fun at the Labour leader after he made an error when quoting figures to her on the state of the economy
JEREMY CORBYN faced embarrassment in Prime Minister's Questions today as he mixed up the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and the IFS (Institute for Fiscal Studies).
In an attack on Theresa May on what he said was the "abject failure" of the Government's economic strategy, Mr Corbyn said forecasts for business investment and wage growth were down.
But Mrs May hit back, quoting the IMF for saying the UK "would be the fastest-growing advanced economy in the world this year" and praised the UK's economic plans.
The Labour leader replied confusing the two organisations, saying that "since she quotes the IFS... they go on to say the prospect for workers over the next six years was - and I quote - 'dreadful'..."
The Prime Minister was quick to pick up on his mistake and immediately called him out.
"I think given that he can't differentiate between the IMF and the IFS it's probably a good job he's sitting there and I'm standing there!" she said.
She argued that the Government had boosted the minimum wage, increased the personal tax allowance and increased the number of affordable homes for people on lower incomes.
But Mr Corbyn hit back: “If the PM really believes the economy is doing well, why is her Government forcing through £2bn of cuts in in-work support?”
He went on to attack the Government for not giving "one single penny more for social care in the Autumn Statement", to which Mrs May defended the Government's record and said she recognised that the "system is under pressure".
She said the Conservatives were putting more cash into the Better Care Fund and the social care precept.
"It's also important that local authorities and the NHS work together to ensure people have the social care they need so they’re not ending up blocking beds in hospital," she added.
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The Labour leader wrapped up by pressing Mrs May on corporation tax cuts and millions of elderly people "not getting the help they need".
"What is this Government’s real sense of priorities?” he asked.
But the Prime Minister was not having any of it, and finished off by slamming Labour's plans for the NHS.
"At the last election the Shadow Chancellor - lately of Strictly fame - said local authorities would get not a penny more," she said. "The Conservatives putting money into the NHS and social care - Labour would deny it!"
