'Never her fault': Rachel Reeves blasted from blaming UK's economic woes on Brexit

Rachel Reeves' attempt to blame Britain's problems on Brexit indicates that she consistently making the "wrong choices", shadow chancellor Mel Stride has claimed in a stinging attack. Ms Reeves, speaking at the weekend, suggested the decision to quit the European Union was hampering the nation's economic performance, pointing to the Office for Budget Responsibility's calculation of a 4% long-term hit compared with having remained in the bloc.

"Every time the numbers don't add up, Rachel Reeves blames someone else. This isn't about events or excuses. It's about choices. And Rachel Reeves is making the wrong ones - letting spending spiral, failing to reform welfare, and hammering families with higher taxes to cover her own economic mismanagement."

Mr Stride continued: "Under her watch, inflation has doubled, debt has ballooned, and borrowing costs have hit a 27-year high.

"The markets are losing confidence - and so is Keir Starmer, who's now quietly building his own Treasury operation in Downing Street.

"A theme is emerging: when things go wrong, it's never Rachel Reeves' fault - but it's always your family that pays the price.

"Only the Conservatives will deliver a stronger economy."

Ms Reeves, the Labour MP for Leeds West, strongly campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum, warning that Brexit would impoverish the country and cost jobs.

She advocated ending free movement as a red line while seeking maximal access to the single market and customs union to safeguard economic growth, and she supported a confirmatory people's vote on any deal, opposing a hard Brexit that would disrupt trade.

Despite reservations, Ms Reeves voted for Boris Johnson's Withdrawal Agreement in late 2019 and early 2020 to 'get Brexit done' and prevent further delays.

In her present role, she has frequently lambasted what she sees as the deal's economic harm and committed to resetting UK-EU ties through targeted measures like mutual recognition of qualifications and eased touring for artists, whilst ruling out rejoining the EU, single market, or customs union in the near term.