Sinn Féin Leas-Uachtarán, Michelle O’Neill, MLA, has said that Rachel Reeves and the British government are choosing weapons of war over people and public services. 

Michelle O’Neill said:

“It is astonishing at a time when public services are on their knees; when we have endured 14 years of austerity and cuts; when small business might go to the wall; when winter fuel payments have been cut; when farmers are worried about inheritance tax; money that should be invested in public services is being diverted into weapons of war.

“The British government has made clear that it has no regard for ordinary workers and families or for public services here. It has made the wrong choices, focusing on a militarised budget and increasing weapons of war. 

“We need to invest in public services, protect those in need, and improve daily life for workers, families and communities. 

“Instead, the Labour Chancellor has adopted a turbo charged Tory approach. The British government is totally failing people, using distraction tactics and creating fear and the threat of an invisible and unnamed enemy. The direction of travel for this British government is extremely worrying.

“In the face of economic challenges there is a choice to be made. History has shown the dangers of militarisation and the right-wing politics and polices that accompany this. After years of condemning Tory austerity and cuts this Labour government is now doubling down on austerity with cuts to fund military spending.

“There is nothing in this statement for people in the north. It is a statement of British national priorities which is totally indifferent to workers and families here.

“It is obvious that British governments, whether Tory or Labour, have nothing to offer our people.”