Labour

John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, commenting on today’s growth forecast from the Bank of England, said:

“While we welcome today’s growth forecasts, projections for wage growth in coming years have been cut. This will come as little surprise to those whose incomes are still below where they were ten years ago as a result of a rigged economy under the Tories.

“Yesterday the Resolution Foundation warned of the worst period of income growth for middle and low earners since the 1960s. After seven years of Tory failure, there is little sign of an end to the pressure on living standards for most of the population.”

“Only Labour will rewrite the rules of our economy and deliver the investment needed to rebuild and transform our country so that no one and no community is left behind.”

Keir Starmer MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, speaking after the release of the Government’s Brexit White Paper, said:

“Today’s White Paper is indicative of the Government’s whole approach to Brexit.

“For months they have refused to publish a plan or allow proper scrutiny, and when they are finally forced to produce a White Paper it is rushed, limited and not well thought through.

“The White Paper offers no certainty for EU citizens living in the UK, no additional detail on how workers’ and consumer rights will be protected, and nothing on how full tariff-free access to the single market will be delivered.

“It’s a wish list, not an action plan.

“Labour has said throughout that there needs to be accountability and scrutiny throughout the Brexit process.

“Next week we will debate amendments to the Article 50 Bill that would achieve that – in particular by guaranteeing a meaningful vote that ensures our Parliament votes on the Article 50 deal before the European Parliament does. The Government should welcome that, not reject it”.

Sarah Champion MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, responding to the Government’s failure to provide assurances that it will continue to fund the national revenge porn helpline, said:

“Once again, the Tories are all talk but no action when protecting women and girls from violence.

“The revenge porn helpline is an invaluable resource for victims who are desperate to receive advice on how to have indecent images removed from the internet and how to pursue a prosecution if they so choose.

“Coming forward as a survivor of revenge porn takes such bravery and we need to send the message that those victims will be supported in every way possible.

“Labour is urging the Government to maintain this vital, value-for-money service. Ministers must now clarify and publish their continued funding arrangements for the helpline.”

Debbie Abrahams MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the Government’s ‘Fuller Working Lives’ strategy, said:

“It’s right that the Government is taking steps to boost employment for older people.

“However, more than half a million workers aged over 50 rely on in-work support – and that support is at risk of being rolled back through Universal Credit.

“That’s why Labour is calling on the Tories to reverse cuts to Universal Credit, which could see some older workers worse off by £2,600 a year.”

Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on the Government’s statement on Heathrow, said:

“Labour has consistently been pushing for a decision on runway expansion in the South East of England so after years of dither and delay, it is welcome that progress is finally being made.

“However, there are still outstanding issues including how Heathrow expansion can be squared with meeting the UK’s climate change objectives and demonstrating that local noise and environmental impacts can be minimised.

“This can be achieved, but only in the context of a coherent aviation strategy that works for the country not just London. It starts with confirming our membership of the European Aviation Safety Agency, as well as action on cleaner fuels and improving road and rail access to our international gateway airports.”