Bridget Phillipson has welcomed the latest GDP data, but cautioned Chancellor Rachel Reeves that significant economic challenges remain ahead.
Speaking to GB News, the Education Secretary said that although the figures are “better than expected”, there is “still more to do” ahead of the Autumn Budget.
Bridget Phillipson admitted there is ‘more to do’ on the economy ahead of the Autumn Budget
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GB NEWS
Mrs Reeves said the figures means “more money in the pockets of working people”.
Mrs Phillipson told GB News: “This is better than expected, as you say, it does mean that we’re the fastest growing of all the major economies, which I think is something we do welcome.
“It is positive, but of course, there is much more that we need to do.”
Mrs Phillipson highlighted that the Chancellor has already signalled intentions for substantial economic reforms.
She pointed to the forthcoming Budget as a crucial opportunity to address fundamental economic issues.
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Rachel Reeves said ‘working people have more money in their pockets’ thanks to GDP figures
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POOL
She stated: “The Chancellor has been clear about that. We’ll have a Budget later on this year with a real focus on productivity and growth.
“So encouraging signs yes, more to do and it’s why we’re taking action.”
The Education Secretary refrained from revealing specific fiscal measures, noting that such announcements remain within the Chancellor’s remit.
She emphasised that securing economic expansion remains the Government’s primary objective.
“The crucial point here is that we do need to secure more growth in the economy,” Mrs Phillipson explained, underlining the administration’s commitment to implementing practical measures that will deliver tangible economic benefits.
Mrs Phillipson told GB News that the figures are ‘welcome’ but there is ‘much more to do’
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GB NEWS
Mrs Phillipson also revealed she had announced additional resources for construction training programmes earlier in the week.
She explained: “Just this week, I was announcing extra investment going into construction skills, because we know that that’s an area where not only can provide a welcome boost to the economy, but you can also deliver more homes for families who desperately need them, and also great jobs and great careers in areas like bricklaying, plastering and much more.
“I met some brilliant apprentices this week who are really at the forefront of some of that. And there are some great options that are there. And we want to make sure that there’s more for our young people.”
Mrs Phillipson defended recent taxation decisions, including National Insurance changes, as essential for funding vital public services. She argued these measures enable investment in healthcare, education and policing.
“We have, therefore, through the decisions we’ve taken as a government, invested more in schools, invested more in hospitals, getting more police back on our streets,” she concluded.
