Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has addressed concerns about Labour's economic plans ahead of the upcoming Budget. Speaking on GB News, she acknowledged the significant pressures on public finances and the need for tough choices.
"Of course, there are big pressures overall. I think all of your viewers would recognise the state of the public finances, public services, very difficult at the moment," Phillipson stated.
Speculation surrounds the potential tax increases in the upcoming Budget. According to reports, it could be the largest tax raid in history.
Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe has issued a warning to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, claiming her plans will "suffocate the economy".
Lowe stated on social media: "This is absolute madness - Reeves is going to suffocate our economy. The ONLY way to create real and sustainable growth is to slash tax and return power to the individual."
The Education Secretary was pressed on Labour's choices ahead of the party's Budget
GB News
There are concerns about possible increases in fuel duty, capital gains tax, and National Insurance contributions. The Budget is expected to allocate funds for public services, asylum seeker costs, workers' pay increases, and NHS funding.
Phillipson emphasised that the Budget will focus on stabilising the economy and setting a new direction for the country.
She highlighted recent successes, noting that investors and global businesses are showing confidence in the stability offered by the new Government.
"That will create thousands of jobs right across our country," she added while acknowledging there is still much work to be done.
Phillipson emphasised the government's commitment to addressing economic challenges. "The Budget, in just under a fortnight, will be about how we fix those foundations, how we stabilise the economy and how we demonstrate that we're taking our country in a better direction," she said.
Rachel Reeves sat down with GB News ahead of the much-anticipated BudgetGB NewsLATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
However, Phillipson acknowledged the difficulties faced after 14 years of Conservative rule. "We recognise this after 14 years of the Conservatives, there are lots of problems that your viewers will see every day in their lives," she stated.
Phillipson was then challenged by host Stephen Dixon, who claimed that the British people "do not feel confident" in Labour since they won the General Election in July.
She responded: "Every Government has its ups and downs, of course, we do. But what we saw on Monday with investors, with big global businesses coming to Britain to invest in our country, they recognise the stability and certainty that a new Government has brought, for example, in the area around planning or on making sure that we move to more, you know, renewable forms of energy that will cut people's bills in the long run."
She stressed the importance of the upcoming Budget in laying the groundwork for future growth and improved living standards across the country.
Bridget Phillipson said Labour's inheritance from the Tory government is to blame for the party's struggles
GB News
Addressing concerns about special educational needs provision, Phillipson reassured parents that children with education, health and care plans specifying private placements will continue to receive support without additional costs.
She acknowledged the challenges faced by many families and schools in this area.
"I know that it's really tough at the moment for far too many parents, for far too many children, and I know how hard it is at times for schools too," Phillipson said.
The Education Secretary outlined Labour's commitment to improving special educational needs support, including increased investment in early language support.
She revealed that she has refocused the Department for Education's work on special education needs and disabilities.
Phillipson criticised the previous Government's handling of the issue, quoting a Conservative shadow minister who reportedly said they should "hang their heads in shame about the state of what they'd left behind."