Ian Lavery MP, Labour Chair, responding to the election of Jo Swinson as new Liberal Democrat leader, said:

“Jo Swinson sat at the top table of the coalition government and
voted for vicious attacks on the most vulnerable and tax cuts for the
super-rich and big businesses.

“Austerity couldn’t have happened without Liberal Democrats – leading
to shocking levels of child poverty, the tripling of tuition fees, a
homelessness crisis and rising food bank use.

“Labour is the only party that can stop the Tories, and transform Britain so that it works for the many not the few”

Nia Griffith MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, responding to the Defence Select Committee’s report ‘Shifting the Goalposts? Defence Expenditure and the 2% Pledge: An Update’, which shows that MoD spending has been cut by 25% since 2010, said:

“It is hypocrisy of the highest order for both candidates for the
Conservative leadership to talk of boosting defence spending when they
have consistently voted for budgets, which have slashed the MoD’s funds
to what they are today.

“This report highlights the severe and unprecedented cuts that the
Conservatives have made to defence since 2010. Instead of considering
what is necessary for our defence and security needs, Conservative
Ministers have delivered crippling austerity which has put unprecedented
strain on the men and women of our Armed Forces.

“You cannot do security on the cheap. The next Labour government will
ensure that our armed forces are properly equipped and resourced to
respond to wide-ranging security challenges.”

John McDonnell MP, Shadow Chancellor,
commenting on the pound falling after Tory leadership contenders Boris
Johnson and Jeremy Hunt said they were opposed to the backstop, said:

“The instability and uncertainty caused by the Conservative Party
leadership contest have real-world consequences. The commitment of both
contenders to a No Deal Brexit makes it even more important the
Government put an end to playing games with people’s livelihoods and
call a General Election now.”

Nia Griffith MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, responding to the Defence Select Committee’s report ‘Shifting the Goalposts? Defence Expenditure and the 2% Pledge: An Update’, which shows that MoD spending has been cut by 25% since 2010, said:

“It is hypocrisy of the highest order for both candidates for the
Conservative leadership to talk of boosting defence spending when they
have consistently voted for budgets, which have slashed the MoD’s funds
to what they are today.

“This report highlights the severe and unprecedented cuts that the
Conservatives have made to defence since 2010. Instead of considering
what is necessary for our defence and security needs, Conservative
Ministers have delivered crippling austerity which has put unprecedented
strain on the men and women of our Armed Forces.

“You cannot do security on the cheap. The next Labour government will
ensure that our armed forces are properly equipped and resourced to
respond to wide-ranging security challenges.”

Commenting on the Coram Holiday Childcare
Survey, showing that working parents face an £800 bill for summer
holiday childcare, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary said:

“This report shows that holiday childcare costs continue to rise year
after year under this Tory government. It is clear that they have
failed to deliver affordable care for families across the country.

“This failure to provide free or affordable childcare to those who
need it has left many parents not just out of pocket but often out of
work, as employment just won’t pay after the cost of care.

“The next Labour Government will invest in expanded and improved
high-quality, affordable childcare, as part of our National Education
Service.”