British premier accuses Conservative Party of being 'economic vandals'
Keir Starmer criticizes Tories for failing to make 'tough decisions' and for seeking benefits of budget without shouldering its costs
By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Wednesday accused the Conservative Party of being “economic vandals” in the latest political skirmish over the government’s economic policies and the impact of the national budget.
In a fierce exchange during Prime Minister's Question Time, Starmer criticized the Tories for failing to make “tough decisions” and for seeking the benefits of the budget without shouldering its costs.
He pointed to the global economic “volatility” and the £22 billion (approximately $27 billion) fiscal gap that Labour inherited, claiming the Conservative government had left a significant financial black hole.
“We had to deal with the £22bn black hole that they left, make difficult cuts, and raise taxes to invest in health, public services, and housing,” Starmer said, referencing his government’s fiscal strategy.
“They’ve opposed all of our measures to stabilize the economy and promote growth. They want all the benefits of the budget, but they can’t say how they’re going to pay for them. They’re still economic vandals.”
Starmer's remarks were in direct response to criticisms leveled by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who met with Chesterfield business owners on Friday.
Badenoch shared concerns expressed by one entrepreneur, who claimed his business could cease to exist within four years due to the government’s policies.
Badenoch, in response to Starmer's claims, questioned why people should trust the Labour leader over business leaders when it came to understanding the budget's impact on jobs, growth, and borrowing costs.
“While borrowing costs hit levels not seen since Labour was last in government, I met business owners and their employees in Chesterfield,” Badenoch said.
“One of them told me that his business will not exist in four years’ time because of this government’s policies; it might not even exist next year. The Prime Minister may try to blame his inheritance or blame global factors, but why should anyone trust a word he says over businesses that are saying again and again that his budget means fewer jobs, lower growth, and higher borrowing costs?” she added.
Badenoch’s remarks point to growing concerns within the business community about the long-term effects of the government’s fiscal approach, especially amid rising borrowing costs and a slowing economy.
Meanwhile, Starmer reiterated his stance that the global economy is facing turbulent times and stressed Labour’s commitment to strict fiscal rules.
He also defended the government’s tax rises, which he said were necessary to invest in key sectors like healthcare, housing, and disability services, all of which he called vital to both public welfare and economic growth.
- 'UK should consider relaxing visa rules for Americans seeking refuge from Trump.'
The debate shifted as Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey proposed that the UK should consider relaxing visa rules for Americans seeking refuge from President-elect Donald Trump’s regime.
Davey expressed disappointment with Starmer’s refusal to expedite a care review and pointed to reports that some Americans wished to move to the UK due to fears of Trump’s return to power.
“Some Americans are finding there is no visa they can apply for. Does Starmer agree that if people like this want to come to the UK to grow our economy, they should be able to?” Davey asked during the exchange.
Starmer responded by reaffirming his commitment to welcoming investment into the UK but also acknowledged that the previous Conservative government had “lost control of immigration.”
He noted that Kemi Badenoch had been a strong advocate for increasing immigration numbers, suggesting that the Conservative approach was at odds with Labour’s stance on managing immigration responsibly.
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