2024-10-31
23 分钟The Guardian’s special correspondent Heather Stewart analyses Labour’s first budget in government for more than 14 years. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
This is the Guardian.
Today, the return of tax and spend, Labour's first budget in 14 years.
I call the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Yesterday, in the House of Commons, Rachel Reeves finally delivered her very long awaited budget.
Thank you, Madam deputy speaker.
On July 4, the country voted for change.
She was the first woman ever to stand at the dispatch box and outline a government's spending plans.
To girls and young women everywhere, I say let there be no ceiling on your ambition, your hopes and your dreams.
You wouldn't have necessarily known it from her calm, serious voice, but this was a seriously radical budget, promising a 70 billion pound increase in annual spending to rebuild Britain.
In 1997, it was the Labour Party that rebuilt our schools and hospitals.
Today it falls to this Labour Party, to this Labour government, to rebuild Britain once again.
Reeves promised that working people will not feel the pain, but instead will see real improvement in public services, particularly the NHS and schools.
More pounds in people's pockets.
An NHS that is there when you need it.
An economy.
An economy that is growing, creating wealth and opportunity for all, because that is.
The only way her spending bonanza will be funded by massively increased borrowing as well as tax hikes for businesses and the rich.
But with such a bold budget comes big risks.
From the Guardian, I'm Helen Pitt.
Today in focus, will Rachel Reeves spending spree pay off?