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.”