Susanna Reid Unleashes Fiery Rant on Labour for Breaking Tax Rise Promise Live on GMB
Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid didn’t hold back in questioning Labour MPs after Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the highest tax budget in years, sparking frustration among voters. Reid addressed Labour’s apparent reversal on taxation, challenging MPs on whether the public had been misled by pre-election promises of no tax hikes.
In a video compilation aired during the segment, Reid played clips of Labour MPs prior to the election, each reiterating the party’s stance on taxation. One MP had assured, “All of our manifestoes are fully funded and fully cost, and there is no need to make changes to other taxes.” Another claimed, “Our tax funds are clear, and our manifesto does not need further tax increases.”
A third MP criticized the cycle of higher taxes and low growth, stating, “We are in a doom loop in this country of higher taxes on working people and at best stagnant growth!” Meanwhile, a fourth reinforced the commitment, saying, “There is nothing in the manifesto, nothing in the plans we published today that will require further tax increases.”
Confronting Labour on these statements, Reid questioned, “Are the electorate entitled to feel that they were misled?” She further pressed on whether voters have a right to feel betrayed by the recent shift in policy, labelling the party’s backtrack as reminiscent of George Bush’s infamous “Read my lips” moment, reports Daily Express.
Labour’s newly announced budget, while avoiding direct personal income tax hikes, includes a rise in National Insurance contributions for employers. Many critics argue that this decision indirectly impacts workers, as employers may struggle to maintain current wage levels or even be forced to cut jobs.
Reid pointed out that while the tax increase doesn’t directly impact individual income, the burden on employers could lead to consequences for the workforce. Many analysts predict that this measure could place additional pressure on already struggling businesses, potentially leading to layoffs or a stagnation of wage growth, just as inflation remains high.
Despite Labour’s efforts to defend the budget as a necessary step, some economists forecast a short-term economic boost followed by potential instability. With these changes on the horizon, Reid’s pointed questioning reflected the concerns of voters who feel that Labour’s new policies may not align with the promises made during the campaign trail.
As Good Morning Britain continued to address the budget’s impact, Reid’s direct approach highlighted the public’s frustration and the high expectations placed on Labour to remain transparent with the electorate.