𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

What we needed was a Budget that confronted the serious issues facing our country. We didn’t get one.

The Chancellor chose not to cut the spiralling welfare will. He chose not to take serious, lasting measures to reduce the tax burden on hardworking families and businesses. And he chose not to give our Armed Forces the funding that just months ago he said was essential.

Instead, John Healey delivered a Budget that stuck with Labour’s failed model: more taxes, more borrowing and more money paid out in benefits. He kicked the can down the road once again, because like Andy Burnham, he lacks the courage to take the tough decisions we need.

Our public finances face a cliff edge. Working-age welfare spending is set to soar by £60 billion from 2024/25 to 2031/32. The interest on Government debt will be £14 billion higher than forecast just six months ago. This is not sustainable, and nor is it fair on the hardworking people paying the price for it now, or the future generations that will be forced to pay off the debt.

The choice is now clear: a Labour Party that dances to the tune of its own left wing, or a Conservative Party prepared to do what it takes to get Britain working again.

The Conservatives believe in hard work. That is why we will back the people who go out every day and grow our economy. We will cut taxes for families and businesses, and pay for it by cutting the welfare bill. We will cut the deficit to secure a better future for our children and grandchildren, and we will fund our Armed Forces properly so they can keep us all safe.

That is what leadership looks like, and it’s what you’ll get from Kemi Badenoch and the Conservatives.

Richard Fuller is shadow chief secretary to the Treasury