Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves will underscore Labour’s commitment to workers and businesses in her upcoming campaign speech, focusing on economic growth and stability under Keir Starmer’s leadership. Despite recent union criticism, Labour maintains its strong worker rights platform, seeking to differentiate from Conservative policies and present a credible economic alternative to voters.
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver her first major General Election campaign speech, addressing business leaders. Scheduled for Tuesday, her speech will emphasize that a Labour government under Keir Starmer will be “pro-worker and pro-business” and aims to foster economic growth in the UK.
Reeves, a former Bank of England analyst, will articulate Labour’s vision of stability and partnership between businesses, government, and workers. She plans to highlight Labour’s success in attracting business interest following higher attendances at party conferences and increased campaign donations since Starmer became leader.
Reeves’ speech follows a contentious period where Labour faced criticism from the trade union Unite over perceived dilutions in workers’ rights commitments. However, Labour asserts that its proposals remain robust, formulated in agreement with unions.
This speech comes after Labour leader Keir Starmer’s address, where he reiterated support for working people, and amidst contrasting rhetoric from Conservative figures. For example, Treasury Chief Secretary Laura Trott accused Labour of potentially increasing business costs and job losses through policies akin to French union laws.
Reeves aims to present Labour as a stable economic alternative, calling voters to reflect on “14 years of economic chaos and decline under the Conservatives.” Conservative criticisms include fears of increased red tape and tax burdens, while economists at the Institute for Fiscal Studies caution against Labour’s plan to empower the Office for Budget Responsibility with more fiscal oversight.
