Reeves Calls for Wealthy to Fund Public Services, Defends Policy U-Turns
London – Britain’s wealthiest individuals must contribute more to rebuild “creaky” public services, Shadow Chancellor Rachel reeves declared today, as she defended recent policy shifts including the government’s decision to abandon a key workers’ rights pledge. Reeves insisted that strengthening workers’ rights is “good for growth” and dismissed suggestions the move was a concession to business concerns following decisions on national insurance and the minimum wage.
The Labor frontbencher faced scrutiny from MPs over the government’s decision to drop a policy guaranteeing workers the right to claim unfair dismissal after their first day on the job – a direct reversal of a Labour manifesto commitment. Reeves argued the change was necessary to ensure the passage of the workers’ rights bill, stating, “This was about actually getting this legislation passed…otherwise no rights are enhanced.”
Reeves also addressed concerns regarding funding for special educational needs and disabilities (Send) in England, after announcing she would take full responsibility for costs from councils. While she did not detail how the government would finance this, she emphasized that upcoming reforms, expected early next year, would prioritize improving the system rather than cost-cutting. “The reform is not focused on money. The reform is focused on making the system work,” she said, acknowledging widespread dissatisfaction with the current Send provision.
During the session, Reeves also defended the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) against criticism from some parliamentarians, according to The Guardian.
