There is an alternative, Labour MPs tell Reeves

by Max
0 comments

Tina – an acronym, not a person – was very popular with the late Lady Thatcher.

It was in 1980 that the then prime minister – introducing what were radical economic policies – first insisted "There Is No Alternative".

Although politically on the left, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has used similar rhetoric.

She has claimed there is no alternative to last year's tax-raising budget, blaming the previous Conservative government for a "black hole" in the public finances.

And she has defended making the "difficult decision" to cut welfare payments and restrict eligibility.

But an increasing number of Reeves's fellow MPs across Labour's political spectrum – from social democrat to hard left – are now begging to differ.

The leaking of a memo from Angela Rayner's department to the Telegraph this week highlighted disagreements at the heart of government.

The deputy PM was suggesting tax rises worth £3bn-£4bn while the chancellor was cutting the welfare budget by £5bn.

You may also like

Leave a Comment