This week I sat in the chamber as the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer stood before Parliament to share the outcome of her review into government departmental spending under the previous government. Following the fourteen years of mismanagement and surprise mini budgets – with massive repercussions, she laid down the new rules that would be governing the Labour Government’s spending decisions.

Just as we set out in our manifesto, our first priority of establishing sound public finances will be coupled by the mantra that if we cannot afford it, we cannot do it. Rachel Reeves also confirmed that there would now only be one fiscal event each year, allowing businesses and family finances to plan with the knowledge that there will be no more surprises.

The previous government spent beyond their means, covered it up and ran away. The Chancellor has already taken steps to get Britain building again with planning reform. A National Wealth Fund to catalyse private investment. The launch of Skills England to boost skills and ambition across the country. Above all, the Chancellor will ensure the stability which investors and businesses need to thrive, with out non-negotiable fiscal rules. The Chancellor will continue to work with departments ahead of a budget in October and through the multi-year spending review. The budget will come alongside a full economic and fiscal forecast from the OBR, and will set out the difficult decisions required across spending, welfare and tax to meet our fiscal rules.

Today, under Labour, we are taking a different path. A path of transparency and honesty about tough decisions. We will fix the foundations of our economy. Rebuild Britain. And make every part of our country better off.

If you would like to contact me, please email sarah.edwards.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on 01827 794 475.

Sarah Edwards MP
Member of Parliament, Tamworth Constituency
sarah.edwards.mp@parliament.uk