MP welcomes Spring Statement as investment in West Lothian and Britain’s future
Gregor Poynton, Labour MP for the Livingston constituency, has welcomed the Chancellor’s Spring Statement today, saying it shows a UK Labour Government “choosing investment and stability over decline and drift”.
Responding after Rachel Reeves delivered her update on the economy, Mr Poynton said the Government is combining long-term reform with immediate help for working families in West Lothian.
Gregor Poynton MP said:
“This UK Labour Government is choosing to invest in Britain’s future, with a serious long-term plan to build a stronger, more secure economy, alongside short-term support to ease the cost of living for families here in the Livingston constituency and across West Lothian.
"Millions of households will see £150 off their energy bills and around 550,000 children will be lifted out of poverty. That is real help for working people.”
Mr Poynton said the Government was determined not to repeat the economic mistakes of recent years.
“We will not return to the austerity that damaged public services under the Conservatives.
"And we will not risk the kind of unfunded borrowing spree that crashed the economy and pushed up mortgages under the Tories’ disastrous mini-Budget.
"Since taking office, Labour has been focused on stabilising the economy after years of chaos.”
He pointed to early signs of progress nationally, including rising retail sales and consumer spending, the FTSE 100 reaching record highs, inflation and interest rates forecast to fall further, six interest rate cuts since the election, 440,000 more people in work last year, wages rising faster than in the first decade of the previous Government, and £340 billion of private investment secured.
“The Chancellor could have cut public services, ignored child poverty, or rolled the dice with reckless borrowing.
"Instead, she has chosen stability and investment - bringing down the cost of living, lifting children out of poverty and creating the conditions for lower interest rates and mortgage costs.
"That is the foundation we need for national renewal.”
Turning to Scotland, Mr Poynton said the next election presents a clear choice.
“Here in Scotland, the choice is whether we match that ambition and deliver real change with Anas Sarwar and Scottish Labour - focused on jobs, public services and economic growth - or whether we continue with the decline and dither we’ve seen under John Swinney and the SNP.
"West Lothian deserves a government in Edinburgh that works with a Labour Government in Westminster to get Scotland moving again.”
Mr Poynton added that he would continue working to ensure the Livingston constituency and the wider West Lothian area benefit from national investment and economic growth, particularly in supporting families with the cost of living and strengthening local public services.