CHANCELLOR Philip Hammond used his Spring Budget to argue against a no-deal Brexit earlier today.

Among plans overshadowed by the vote was a pledge to end fossil fuel heating in new homes by 2025, and an extra £100m to go police forces across the country to tackle knife crime.

But the chancellor's forecasts, like much of parliament at the moment, was dominated by Brexit.

Business West managing director Phil Smith said: “For many businesses, this is a cause of great frustration – as pressing domestic problems go unaddressed whilst political infighting sucks out the oxygen that could be being used to kindle greater growth and job creation.

“With little in the way of new measures for businesses to get excited about, the spring statement was in many respects a palate cleanser before the meaningful Brexit votes of Wednesday and Thursday evening."