Labour

Andrew Gwynne MP, Labour’s Campaigns and Elections Chair, responding to Theresa May’s speech to the Conservative Party Spring Conference, said:

“The PM claims she has a plan for a fairer, more ‘united Britain’ but she’s pursing an agenda which will do the opposite.

“As their shambolic Budget has shown, the Tories have no plan to stand up for ordinary people and their promises aren’t worth the paper they’re written on – they break them whenever it suits them. Under them those at the top get tax breaks, while middle and low earners are worse off, targeted for cuts and tax increases. Far from building a stronger Britain, the Tories are undermining what makes our country great, running the NHS down, squeezing our schools and crushing aspiration. And their shambolic approach to Brexit risks a bad deal for Britain, meaning we’ll all be worse off.

“Britain is worse off under the Tories.”

Julie Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister for Care in the Community, commenting on the 20p increase in prescription charges, said:

“It is disappointing to see the Government increasing prescription charges. While 20p may not seem a lot it will impact on those people who are already struggling with the rising cost of living. At the same time the Government is also increasing patient charges for NHS dental care, as well as raising charges for wigs and fabric supports.

“The rise in prescription charges is a reflection of this Government’s financial mismanagement of the National Health Service. At a time when the cost of living continues to rise the Government ought to be doing much more to help people with the cost of healthcare.”

Andrew Gwynne MP, Labour’s Campaigns and Elections Chair, commenting on the unravelling of the Tory Budget, said:

“The Tories are in a mess, riven by infighting and failure and disarray.

“They have embarrassed themselves over the Budget, they still have no answers on Brexit and they’re fighting between themselves rather than fixing the problems.

“Theresa May says she has a plan and is sticking to it, but almost every day we see another promise broken or another change of heart. Flagship policies are being delayed or abandoned altogether while working people across this country bear the brunt of the Tories’ incompetence.

“It is now clearer than ever that Theresa May cannot give Britain the change we need. Working people deserve better than Tory failure – only a Labour Government will stand up for them and their families.”

Ends

Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, commenting on reports that Toyota is to invest in a UK plant at Burnaston, said:

“The decision by Toyota to invest £240 million to upgrade its Burnaston plant is very welcome news. It is testament to the world-class workforce there whose excellence, hard work, and efficiency makes the UK car industry so strong.

“However, we should not be complacent. As the chief executive of Toyota Motor Europe warned; continued, predictable and uncomplicated tariff and impediment-free access will be important for future success. This is why the Government needs to secure tariff and impediment free access to the Single Market and Customs Union and re-enforce this with a coherent industrial strategy, which invests in the supply chain, R&D, infrastructure and skills. Only by doing this will the Government protect jobs in the UK car industry and ensure the continued success of this sector.”

Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour’s Shadow Solicitor-General, commenting on the Government’s failure to guarantee the SFO’s (Serious Fraud Office) future as an independent entity, said:

“This Tory Government needs to recognise the value of the Serious Fraud Office and its importance to our international reputation for tackling cases of bribery and corruption. 

“It would be a grave mistake to dispose of the SFO and its unique structure. Ministers must provide clarity on its future immediately.”