Rachel Reeves has come under fire for sticking rigidly to Tory-style economic rules as she prepares to deliver her first Spring Statement.
Critics have labelled the Labour Chancellor a “Tory tribute act” after she doubled down on fiscal plans that mirror those of previous Conservative governments.
Former Tory Minister Robert Buckland drew comparisons between Reeves and George Osborne, architect of the original austerity programme launched in 2010.
This has fuelled concern that the country could be heading for a new wave of spending cuts.
The Labour government’s first nine months have already been marked by major controversies.
Pensioners were left reeling after the Winter Fuel Payment was axed.
The WASPI women, long campaigning for justice, have seen their calls go unanswered.
Businesses have been hit with a rise in National Insurance contributions.
Cuts to social security have sparked outrage in communities already grappling with the cost of living.
All eyes are now on Reeves as she gets ready to announce her Spring Statement later this week.
Reports suggest fresh reductions in spending are on the cards across multiple government departments.
Labour’s pledge to deliver change is being questioned by those who fear a repeat of Tory austerity.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies previously confirmed there was a black hole in the public finances, as pointed out by John Swinney during the General Election campaign.
Labour’s decision to uphold Tory fiscal rules is seen by many as a choice rather than a necessity.
SNP Economy spokesperson Dave Doogan MP pulled no punches in his response.
He said Reeves was “unrepentant” and accused Labour of continuing the same mistakes made by the Conservatives.
Doogan claimed the UK Government was making Scotland’s economy an afterthought once again.
He argued that only with independence could Scotland take control of its economic future.
As Westminster tightens the purse strings, there are growing calls for an alternative approach that prioritises investment over cuts.
The coming days will reveal whether Reeves is willing to break free from the past or continue in its shadow.
