Laser-Focused on the Cost of Living

The UK has again exceeded economic growth expectations, with the second fastest growth in the G7. For much of the last few decades that would have given the UK major bragging rights. Unfortunately, the times we live in mean that even doing better than almost anyone else, isn’t enough.


As a country we are still paying off the cost of COVID support and fraud under the Conservatives, while internationally Donald Trump first started a global tariff war and then an actual war in Iran, driving down growth and driving up costs around the world, cheered on by his lackeys in Reform every step of the way.


People feel the pinch and under Andy, the Government has cut VAT on electricity bills, capped bus fares at £2, taken 20% off business rates for pubs and music venues, tackled subscription traps, and capped the number of branded items in school uniforms.


That’s on top of freezing fuel duty and rail fares, raising the minimum wage and pensions, delivering more free childcare, providing free breakfast clubs and expanding free school meals—worth over £8,000 annually to the average family.


I know for many this won’t be enough, but my focus—and that of this Labour Government—is laser-focused on tackling the cost of living.


Much of this comes down to housing, the Government has already launched the largest affordable homes building programme in almost half a century, and as vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Council and Social Housing, it’s area I’m devoting significant attention to.


Beyond this, we need a return to serious economic growth. Under Labour, the UK has signed trade deals with economies representing most of the world’s GDP and we are rebuilding our relationship with our largest trading partner—the EU, we’ve created the most serious plans for infrastructural and skills investment in generations, and put strategies and support in place for most sectors.


Yet, there’s no magic wand and until Reform-aligned Trump changes approach, UK growth is limited by international chaos. The kind of chaos we’re at risk of Reform bringing to the UK, if successful at the next election.