Budget 2017: Philip Hammond didn’t say the word ‘Brexit’ once during his hour-long speech on the state of the economy

PHILIP Hammond didn't utter the word Brexit ONCE during his hour-long speech on the country's finances.

The Chancellor did say that his plans would prepare Britain as we "start our negotiations to exit the European Union" but didn't say another word on the subject.

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As Theresa May gears up to trigger Article 50 later this month, Mr Hammond said over the weekend he wanted to put some money aside to prepare for Brexit.

He told the Andrew Marr Show that he wanted to make sure the UK had enough "gas in the tank" to get it through any tough times that could come our way in future.

But today the Chancellor didn't say the word Brexit once in his speech.

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He started off his Budget announcement by referring to our EU exit, but then focused on his changes to fiscal policy for the rest of the speech.

Mr Hammond said: "As we start our negotiations to exit the European Union, this Budget takes forward our plan to prepare Britain for a brighter future.

"It provides a strong and stable platform for those negotiations.";

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During his hour-long speech, the Chancellor promised:

• Extra money for health and social care
• Relief for businesses as they gear up for higher rates
• Money for 110 more new free schools - which could include grammars
• To raise National Insurance for millions of self-employed workers