Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she is proud of the government’s economic record after 15 months in office but admits there’s more to do.
Speaking in a BBC interview, Reeves highlighted that the UK currently has the “fastest growth in the G7,” despite official figures showing only 0.3% growth last quarter.
She also pointed to trade deals and falling interest rates as evidence of progress.
Reeves announced a new scheme to guarantee work placements for young people who have been out of work or education for 18 months.
However, when asked which businesses had signed up to provide placements, she said details would come later.
She stressed that those who turn down a job offer risk losing benefits, as benefits are not an alternative to work.
On tax, Reeves repeated Labour’s pledge not to raise VAT, National Insurance, or income tax rates, saying working people “bore the brunt” of Conservative mismanagement.
She told voters to judge her on records.
The chancellor also addressed warnings that a third of pubs could close without help. She said Labour will reform business rates to ensure multinational companies pay more, while giving relief to local businesses.
Pressed about what kind of jobs young people might get under her plan, Reeves said opportunities would cover a whole range of sectors, including retail, culture, and government, though specific firms have not yet been announced.
Meanwhile, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to set out changes to the indefinite leave to remain policy, while Reform UK continues to push for scrapping the status altogether, a plan Reeves and Prime Minister Keir Starmer both called racist.
