This week the Tories had a chance to take real action to tackle the cost of living crisis, support our public services and defend our high streets.  Instead they chose a pension tax break for the richest 1 per cent.

Every day I hear devastating stories from families, whether they’re living in overcrowded homes or struggling with sky high mortgages or private rents.  Lack of money in people’s pockets also means devastated high streets but there was nothing in the Budget for our small businesses.

Our hospitals, schools and mental health services are at breaking point.  I hear from families whose children are waiting 18 months for the mental health support they desperately need, and are seeing their health deteriorate as they wait.  We need to see things in this academic year, not be waiting several years.

The much trailed childcare announcement will hopefully bring some relief to families in the future, but it offers nothing for people in Hornsey & Wood Green facing sky high bills today.  These are the families who had children in the pandemic and have had the most difficult few years.  The Chancellor has ignored their plight.

This Budget was a chance for the government to unlock Britain’s promise and potential.  But instead the Tories decided to continue papering over the cracks of 13 years of their economic failure.  Britain deserves better.

Watch my full speech in the Budget debate here: