John
McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, speaking after Treasury Questions today, said:

“Today
I called on the Chancellor to agree to vote with Labour in the House of Commons
in opposing a ‘No Deal’ Brexit if one was to occur. He refused to answer the
question.

"I
further asked him to at least agree to set out the principles of any transition
period after we leave the EU by the end of the year, as business leaders are
calling for this right now in order to safeguard jobs and investment. He again
refused to answer.

"It is
clear he is refusing to answer these very basic questions because he is too
weak to stand up to the reckless Brexiteers in the Cabinet. But he needs to
stop worrying about his own job and instead focus on the millions of people
whose jobs are reliant on a deal and a transitional agreement with the EU.

"If
this weak government cannot do this due to infighting in the Conservative Party
then they need to step aside and let Labour take charge of safeguarding jobs in
our country.”

Bill Esterson MP,
Labour’s Shadow Business and International Trade Minister, responding to the publishing of
the Financial Conduct Authority Interim Report into the treatment of small
businesses at the Royal Bank of Scotland, said:

“The release of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Interim Report is
welcome news, but it is now essential the Government orders a judge-led inquiry
into the treatment of small businesses by the Royal Bank of Scotland.
 
“The news of a police investigation last week is also an important step in
ensuring the truth is discovered as part of a full and transparent process.
Trust between small businesses and our financial institutions needs to be
restored because their relationship is key to the success of the UK economy.

"The next Labour Government will stand up for small businesses by
providing them with access to finance through Regional Investment Banks so we
can build an economy that works for the many, not the few.”

John
Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, responding to new
figures showing slowing growth in the construction industry, said:

“These
figures show a worrying slowdown in workload growth for housebuilders,
particularly for social housing.

“Instead
of setting more targets they don’t meet, Ministers should back Labour’s
long-term plan for housing by investing to build the homes the country
needs.”

Jack
Dromey MP, Shadow Minister for Labour, commenting on the Unpaid Work Experience
(Prohibition) Bill 2017-19 to limit unpaid internships to four weeks, said:

“Unpaid
internships disadvantage people from poorer families. It’s simply not fair for
some to get a leg up in their careers when others cannot afford the
opportunity. Labour will ban unpaid internships to ensure no one is prevented
from gaining professional experience because of their background.“

Rebecca
Long-Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy,
commenting on a survey by Santander and the Engineering Employers Federation,
said:

“This is
yet further evidence that the Government’s chaotic handling of the Brexit
negotiations is holding our economy back. 

“With the
Tory Cabinet too busy negotiating amongst themselves to make real progress in
the Brexit talks, it’s no wonder businesses are reluctant to invest. 

“The next
Labour government will introduce a bold industrial strategy, work with our European
neighbours to provide certainty for businesses and negotiate a jobs-first
Brexit that protects jobs, rights and living standards.”