less ;writing a check' Photo: PAUL CAMPBELL/PA WIRE
Sir Keir Starmer's flagship £28 billion green investment pledge has come under fresh doubt after it was not included in Labour's new 24-page “campaign bible”.< /p>
On Tuesday, ahead of the general election expected to take place in the autumn, the party published a summary of its five government “missions” to all parliamentary candidates.
The Labor leader initially promised to hold £28 billion annually to fund green projects from the first year if the party wanted to come to power, but has since watered down that commitment.
Earlier this month, Sir Keir said his pledge to deliver “clean energy” by 2030 was his top clean energy pledge, not “writing a cheque”.
The loan is also no longer promised for the first year. .
“It is financially irresponsible to borrow £28 billion a year”
Labour sources insisted on Tuesday evening that the party remains committed to the borrowing plan despite it not appearing in the election campaign document.
The Conservative Party is increasingly focusing on the £28 billion figure as it puts the economy at the forefront of its long election campaign at the start of 2024.
Rishi Sunak and his cabinet ministers have pointed to falling inflation. and the prospect of further tax cuts later this year to prove they are gradually improving the economic situation.
In turn, they warned that a vote for Labor risks returning the country “to square one.” , arguing that borrowing £28 billion a year is fiscally irresponsible.
There have been signs that the Labor leadership could go even further in reducing the investment rate, with some Labor think tank insiders predicting even more changes.
“The Labor Party is the party of financial discipline”
Sir Keir himself now makes no longer promises that borrowing will fall in the first five years of a Labor government, arguing that all policy depends on adherence to the party's budget rules.
A Labor Party spokesman said: “The Labor Party is party of financial discipline. All of our policies are fully funded within our fiscal rules and do not raise taxes on workers.
“If the Tories spend more time managing the economy than obsessing over our politics, they can go some way to correcting the vicious cycle of low growth and high taxes they have created over 14 years.”
New “bible” election campaign,” as Labor has dubbed it, reflects how the party is preparing for the spring. general election, although Tory insiders indicate a vote will take place in the autumn.
Shadow Cabinet ministers have been told to ensure policy is ready for a possible election manifesto in the spring.
The “election bible” focuses on the Labor Party's five “missions” to the government: “getting Britain built back together.” , “bringing on the Great British Energy”, “getting the NHS back on its feet”, “taking back our streets” and “breaking down barriers to opportunity”.
“I will fight for working people”
Sir Keir writes in introductory part of the document: “I grew up working class. I've struggled all my life. I will fight for working people. And I will fight to restore hope and pride in our great country.
“Britain has talent, entrepreneurs, world-leading scientists and dedicated volunteers serving their communities. We have millions of hardworking British citizens who struggle every day, against all odds.
“But the one thing we don't have is a government that rolls up its sleeves and gets to work with the people. solve the country's problems.
“The Tories have undermined the country's trust, drained the well of optimism, and tried to stop people from believing that change is possible. But I know with every fiber of my being that Britain can be better.”
Pat McFadden, Labour's national campaign co-ordinator, said: “As Tory MPs jump ship, many Tory voters are wondering What's the point of the Tory party if it can no longer manage the economy or deliver on its promises.
“Time after time the Prime Minister's promises have failed, and it's not just a pattern for this Prime Minister – it's history 14 years of Tories in power.”
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