Britain desperately needs fixing - and Rachel Reeves' Budget has started the repairs

One Budget was never going to undo 14 years of Tory chaos and ruin.

But Rachel Reeves has today begun the process of repairing and rebuilding Britain. Because let's face it, this country is in desperate need of fixing.

Public services are at breaking point. Our infrastructure is crumbling. And working people are reeling from one of the worst periods for living standards in modern history. This is the legacy of the Conservatives in office. But Labour is starting to clean up their mess.

They've unlocked crucial investment to fuel our economy, boost industry and create jobs across the UK. The tax rises announced today will raise much-needed funds for our NHS, schools and the rest of our creaking public realm - with those with the broadest shoulders paying a fairer share.

The government is giving billions to health and education to help rebuild our crumbling classrooms and fund 40,000 extra NHS appointments a week. The Chancellor is right to prioritise hospitals and schools over private jets.

There are real wins for workers in today’s Budget. The government has handed a much-needed pay rise to over 3 million people on the minimum wage to help with the cost of living.

That’s good for working families – and good for the economy too.

When low-paid staff get a pay rise, they don’t squirrel it away in offshore tax havens. They spend it on their high streets and at their local shops, cafes and pubs.

Businesses will also benefit from today’s investment in our public services. Many firms are struggling with staff absence because far too many people are stuck on NHS waiting lists.

We all know there is much more to do to reverse over a decade of Conservative decline, to ensure investment delivers the good quality jobs we need and that we protect the most vulnerable. But this Budget is a decisive first step in the right direction.