Labour

Debbie Abrahams MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, said:

 “Year after year people are worse off. Earnings have fallen again and real wages are lower than they were a decade ago.

“This Government has fundamentally failed working people with over 7 million people now living in poverty in a working household.

“It has also failed women, who are still being paid on average nearly 20% less than men.   

“The next Labour Government will immediately give millions a pay rise by introducing a £10 per hour real living wage, scrapping the public sector pay cap and taking action to close the gender pay gap.”

John Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, responding to the House of Commons’ unanimous support for Labour’s motion to protect supported housing, said:

“Under pressure from Labour, Theresa May has been forced to backtrack on the Government’s ill-conceived plans for supported housing.

“Now, after unanimous House of Commons backing for Labour’s motion committing to safeguard the long-term future and funding of supported housing, any new Government proposals must reflect the clearly expressed will of Parliament.”

Keir Starmer MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, responding to David Davis telling the Brexit select committee that Parliament might not get to vote on the final Brexit deal until after we leave the EU, said:

“David Davis and Theresa May’s comments only add to the confusion and chaos over the Government’s approach to the Brexit negotiations.

“Labour has been clear from the outset that Parliament must have the final say on the terms of Britain’s exit from the European Union before March 2019.

“Ministers must urgently clarify their comments and accept Parliament will not be side-lined.”‎

John Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement that the Government will no longer cap housing benefit for social housing tenants at the local housing allowance rate, said:

 “Once again, Labour is winning the arguments and making the running on government policy.

 “Ahead of our opposition day debate later today, the Government has given ground, but the devil will be in the detail – and the funding.

 “Labour will continue to press the Government to protect the long-term future and funding of supported housing.”

John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, commenting on today’s GDP figures, said

“Today’s GDP figures further confirm the impact that seven wasted years of Tory economic policy has had on working households.

“Economic growth for the majority of 2017 has been below what was expected. In recent weeks leading independent forecasters have slashed growth for next year, and the latest economic data shows wages are still set to fall behind prices – squeezing living standards further.

“The UK is not growing as fast as many of our trading partners in the EU or the USA, and it is becoming increasingly clear that this government has to use next month’s Budget for a change of direction.

“The Chancellor cannot keep hiding from the facts, as his approach of carrying on as usual is seriously putting working people’s living standards at risk.

“Labour has consistently called for increased investment underpinned by our fiscal credibility rule, so that we can prepare our economy for any downturn from the Tories’ chaotic handling of Brexit.”