Shadow chief secretary to the Treasury Richard Fuller has criticised Chancellor John Healey's Budget, arguing it failed to confront the serious issues facing the country.
Writing in an opinion piece, Fuller said the Chancellor chose not to cut the spiralling welfare bill, not to take lasting measures to reduce the tax burden on hardworking families and businesses, and not to give the Armed Forces the funding that just months ago he said was essential.
Budget Sticks With Labour's Model
Fuller said Healey delivered a Budget that stuck with Labour's failed model: more taxes, more borrowing and more money paid out in benefits. He added that the Chancellor kicked the can down the road, lacking the courage to take tough decisions.
The MP warned that public finances face a cliff edge. Working-age welfare spending is set to soar by £60 billion from 2024/25 to 2031/32, and interest on Government debt will be £14 billion higher than forecast just six months ago.
Conservative Alternative
Fuller outlined the Conservative approach, saying the party believes in hard work and will back people who grow the economy. He said the party would cut taxes for families and businesses, paid for by cutting the welfare bill, cut the deficit, and fund the Armed Forces properly.
He concluded that this is what leadership looks like and what voters would get from Kemi Badenoch and the Conservatives.
