00:00The OBR has adjusted the profile of GDP so that it grows slightly slower in 2026 and then faster.
00:08Can we get your reaction to the spring statement today?
00:11Well, to be honest, I think I'm a bit underwhelmed, really.
00:14Well, there was very, very, very, very little in it.
00:16Well, it was a bit of a non-event, really.
00:18Well, I don't think we really heard much that we didn't already know.
00:22Well, it's hugely disappointing.
00:23We saw no action to reverse the terrible increase in national insurance contributions.
00:30The jobs tax on businesses.
00:32We saw nothing to accelerate the rebuilding of our hospitals that we've been promised for some time, including in Eastbourne.
00:40And we saw no announcement whatsoever to properly deepen our relationship with the European Union via a new customs union
00:47to help our economy grow again.
00:50This was an utter disappointment.
00:52We know that growth now has been forecast to be downgraded this year compared to the original forecast and equally
00:58unemployment forecast to be higher this year, next year and the year after and a very anemic growth.
01:04What we really needed from the Chancellor was a clear plan to get government spending under control, to get taxes
01:09down and get the economy growing.
01:10And what we've been told over and over again is the increases in national insurance, the thresholds for business relief,
01:17property relief, and also the costs of increased salaries and the minimum wage.
01:22Although, of course, as a party we welcome those increased salaries, nonetheless, these businesses are telling us that they are
01:28being attacked to all effects and purposes from every direction.
01:31And there is nothing that has helped them today.
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