The Government’s Spending Review announced today is a sticking plaster to cover the crisis for jobs and businesses, says Labour West of England Metro Mayor candidate Dan Norris.
Speaking after the Chancellor’s Statement Mr Norris said:
“The Chancellor told us how the UK’s economy has shrunk by 10%. We know we have a worse downturn than other countries like Japan, Canada and Germany. That is why ambitious action was needed today to stimulate growth and maintain demand. Instead we got a sticking plaster Spending Review with no radical ideas to help people living in the West of England.
“The Chancellor stated that our economic emergency ‘has only just begun’. That is cold comfort for those who’ve been out of work since March, working reduced hours, and fearing for their futures.
“Right now, local businesses are on a financial knife edge facing more restrictions over winter but without the grants and Government support they need to stay afloat. The self-employed have been hung out to dry.”
Commenting on the new £4bn “levelling up fund” to pay for projects chosen by local areas around the country Mr Norris vowed to fight for our local share.
“Levelling up can’t just mean the North, our area needs to have the best opportunities to build back better from this dreadful pandemic. That will require strong leadership.”
Labour has called for £30 billion of capital spending accelerated into the next 18 months, focused on green initiatives and supporting 400,000 jobs. In his first 100 days, if elected, Dan Norris has pledged to hold a jobs summit.