Joe Dromey reacts to the spring statement
Joe Dromey reacts to the spring statement
Responding to today’s spring statement, Joe Dromey, General Secretary of the Fabian Society, said:
“This Spring Statement demonstrates both the Chancellor’s toxic inheritance and the challenging international situation. The last government left a stagnant economy, precarious public finances and public services on their knees. Trump’s election has upended the post-war order, requiring investment in our defence and threatening a global trade war.
“The Chancellor had welcome news on living standards after the deepest cost of living crisis in decades. The commitment to housebuilding will be essential to driving growth and delivering the homes we need.
“The world is changing, so the government should keep their options open. If the UK faces further fiscal pressure ahead of the autumn budget, they must look again at how they can raise revenue progressively in order to protect our public services and support for the vulnerable.
“No Labour Chancellor can accept child poverty increasing. The Child Poverty Strategy later this summer will need to set out how we can lift more children out of poverty, even in these challenging times.
Image Credit: Rachel Reeves via Flickr
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Notes
Contact: Emma Burnell, Media Consultant, Fabian Society emma.burnell@fabians.org.uk or 07851 941111.