‘We shouldn’t be balancing nation’s books on backs of these least in a position to bear load’
Labour inherited a toxic economic legacy from the Conservatives. The job of turning Britain around was never going to be easy.
Rachel Reeves made the right call in November’s Budget to prioritise investment in public services and infrastructure – it’s vital the government now stays the course and continues to invest in years ahead. That’s how you grow the economy and build strong foundations at home.
But today she made the wrong call to cut our welfare system. While we share the government’s ambition to get more people into work, the changes in support outlined in the Spring Statement mean many disabled people and their families – including children – will be pushed into poverty.
That is simply not right. We shouldn’t be balancing the nation’s books on the backs of those least able to bear the load – especially during a cost-of-living crisis. Despite the challenging economic landscape, there are other levers ministers can use to raise funds. This includes asking those with the broadest shoulders to contribute more.
The public agrees. Seven in ten Brits think the wealthy should pay extra tax to fund essential public services. Another step ministers can take to boost the public purse is to reset our trading relationship with the EU.
Regardless of how you voted in the referendum, the impact of the Tories’ botched Brexit deal has been clear. It has been a catastrophe for growth, trade, and jobs. It has harmed exports and manufacturing, and it has led to a decline in living standards for working people.
After years of muddling through, it is time for a new approach—one that respects the referendum result while forging a much-needed closer trading relationship with the EU. This is more crucial than ever, given the increasingly unpredictable global economy.
My message to the government is simple. You were right to invest in our public services and infrastructure at the Budget – and that must continue going forward. But please rethink your welfare cuts.
They will cause hardship for many, will do nothing to boost growth and will only increase disillusionment with our political system. Decisions that affect millions of people’s lives must be made with care – not as a last-minute response to changing financial forecasts.
