Jonathan Reynolds conceded Labour would face “difficult decisions” on tax and spending if the party failed to deliver on its economic growth ambitions.
Much of Labour’s manifesto is built on achieving higher levels of economic growth than there has been in recent years.
Mr Reynolds, the shadow business secretary, was asked this morning if he was saying there would be no tax measures during a Labour government other than what has been set out in the manifesto.
The Labour frontbencher told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “The premise of these questions is that the economy cannot grow any faster than it has done for the last 14 years and therefore the only way to fund public services is tax rises, we reject that case entirely, that’s exactly what the Labour manifesto makes the case against, that we can do better than we’ve done for the last 14 years.
“If the economy were not to improve on the performance of the last 14 years, there would be difficult decisions. But we are absolutely confident in the measures that we’re putting forward.
“We know the difference that can be made. Let’s be frank, we’re only pointing out that if the economy had grown in the last 14 years, anything like the rate of growth under the last Labour government, there would be billions of pounds more being spent on public services right now.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
