In response to chancellor Rachel Reeves spring statement today (Wednesday 28 March), Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
“Rachel Reeves is right; the world has changed but why is it always everyday people that have to pay the price. They paid the price after the 2008 crash, the Covid pandemic and are now expected to pay the price again. It is simply wrong.
“Leadership must mean we look at the long term future of Britain, not reacting piecemeal. As the world changes, solutions and policies must change. There is absolutely no point doggedly keeping to fiscal rules, while society crumbles around you. There will be no brownie points for a clean sheet on fiscal rules amid a broken economy.
“Workers and their communities won’t thank or forgive Labour for maintaining outdated financial discipline, while they face economic misery and can’t make ends meet. This is the time for vision especially if we need growth.
“The government is right to invest in our defence in an uncertain global world. The chancellor’s commitment to produce more defence equipment in the UK is welcome but those promises must be backed up by decisions starting with the RAF buying replacement Typhoon fighter jets, protecting thousands of skilled jobs.
“Increased defence investment must not come at the expense of our public services and investment in British industry and our industrial infrastructure. Why is the sixth richest economy in the world pitting our safety against our dignity. That is not the choice that should be made.
“There is another path. Instead of snatching crumbs from workers, pensioners and the disabled, Labour should target the massive concentration of wealth built up by the richest one per cent. A wealth tax, as well as fairer taxes on corporate profiteers and the highest earners, would deliver far more money than any cuts to benefits and public services.
“Workers and communities need the government to fight their corner.'
“If the government pushes down a path of austerity mark two, where yet again workers and communities pay the price, Unite will not stand by and watch it happen. We will do all in our power to fight for the future of jobs, services and our communities."
ENDS
Notes to editors
Unite supports the creation of a one-off wealth tax, of a levy of one per cent on the wealth of the wealthiest one per cent in society which would generate £25 billion. A wealth tax would wipe out the necessity of welfare benefit cuts and provide finances for investment in UK infrastructure.
For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.
Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org
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Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.