Former Love Island star Shaughna Phillips has launched a blistering attack on Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves' controversial plan to impose VAT on private hire vehicles, warning it poses a direct threat to women's safety.
Reality TV Star Takes on Westminster
The 29-year-old reality television personality, who rose to fame on the 2020 winter series of Love Island, didn't hold back in her criticism of the proposed tax hike. "This isn't just about money - it's about safety," Phillips declared in an emotional social media outburst that has since gone viral.
Phillips, who works as a democratic services officer in Westminster, brings a unique perspective to the debate, straddling both the world of entertainment and politics.
The Safety Argument
"As a woman, there have been countless times I've chosen to pay for a taxi rather than walk home alone in the dark," Phillips explained. "Making that safe option more expensive isn't just unfair - it's dangerous."
Her concerns highlight a broader issue that resonates with women across the UK: the difficult choice between financial prudence and personal safety when travelling after dark.
Economic Impact on Working Families
But Phillips didn't stop at safety concerns. She also targeted the economic implications of what critics are calling the "taxi tax."
"This will disproportionately affect those who can least afford it," she argued. "Single parents, shift workers, people living in areas with poor public transport - they'll all be punished by this policy."
Political Firestorm Erupts
The intervention from the high-profile reality star has thrown fuel on an already blazing political controversy. Labour's plan would remove the VAT exemption currently enjoyed by private hire vehicles, potentially adding 20% to the cost of Uber, Bolt, and traditional minicab journeys.
Conservative MPs have seized on Phillips' comments, with some suggesting the episode demonstrates how out of touch Labour has become with ordinary working people.
Industry Backlash
Private hire industry representatives have echoed Phillips' concerns, warning that the tax hike could:
- Force smaller cab firms out of business
- Lead to widespread job losses in the sector
- Reduce transportation options in rural areas
- Push more people toward unlicensed, potentially dangerous alternatives
The debate has clearly struck a nerve, combining issues of economic policy, women's safety, and transportation accessibility into one explosive political package.
As the controversy continues to gather momentum, one thing is clear: when a Love Island star and Westminster insider speaks out on tax policy, people are listening - and Rachel Reeves' team will need to prepare a compelling response.
