The chancellor has said Labour is “not a party of protest” as her keynote conference speech was disrupted by hecklers.
As Rachel Reeves spoke in Liverpool, an audience member began shouting accusations that the UK continues to supply arms to Israel, causing her to pause.
The protester was quickly escorted out of the building and after, Reeves shouted: “This is a changed Labour Party, a Labour Party that represents working people, not a party of protest,” before resuming her speech.
“One year ago I stated my intention,” she said. “That the next time I addressed you, I would do so as the first female chancellor of the exchequer. You can consider that a promise fulfilled.”
She went on tell the conference there had been a £22 billion black hole, left by the previous government, adding: “Because of the legacy left by the Conservatives the road ahead is steeper and harder than we expected. Figures released on Friday showed another month of record borrowing. That is the inheritance that they left in black and white.”
Reeves state there would not be an increased tax for working people and that the party was already chasing tax evaders and avoiders.
The government announced it will introduce VAT on private school fees to invest in 94% of children attending state schools.
Reeves also spoke about the ‘triple lock’ pensions pledge which could fall victim to cuts in the budget next month. The triple lock means the rise in state pension will either match the rate of inflation, average earnings or 2.5% – whichever is more.
But there will be no U-turn on the means tested winter tax fuel allowance decision, which means around 10 million pensioners will no longer get the payment of up to £300 to help heat homes.
Reeves added: “This budget is for economic growth. I believe in a better Britain, a Britain of enterprise. My ambition knows no limits because I can see the prize on offer if we make the right choices now. Growth is the challenge and investment is the solution.”
Image credit: Martin Suker
