In response to chancellor 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maintaining outdated financial discipline, while they face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.'
