The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

Unpacking a grim Spring Statement

Mar 27, 2025
In this insightful discussion, guest Ben Zaranko, an economist from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, delves into the grim realities following the recent Spring Statement. He highlights the downgrading of the UK's growth forecasts and the implications of welfare cuts that could escalate poverty rates. The conversation unveils the tougher fiscal landscape, where rising defense budgets conflict with social welfare needs. Zaranko emphasizes the political struggles faced by major parties, particularly Labour, in a shifting economic climate.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Reeves's Economic Missteps

  • Rachel Reeves blames external factors for economic struggles, but her own policies have played a role.
  • She underestimated the state of the UK economy and overestimated business confidence.
INSIGHT

Welfare Cuts and Public Opinion

  • The public supports stricter welfare but opposes cuts for the genuinely sick and disabled.
  • Reeves's cuts to the health element of Universal Credit are difficult to justify.
INSIGHT

Impact of Welfare Cuts

  • Impact assessments reveal that welfare cuts will negatively impact millions of families and drive many into poverty.
  • This contradicts Labour's commitment to ending child poverty.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app