Rachel Reeves refuses to rule out emergency spending cuts amid economic crisis fears
The IndependentSign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Addressing the Commons on Tuesday, Ms Reeves also faced questions over her decision to travel to China over the weekend, with Mr Stride asking: “When the government was losing control of the economy, where was the chancellor?” “The pound has hit a 14-month low, government borrowing costs are at a 27-year high, growth has been killed stone dead, inflation is rising impacting millions, interest rates are staying higher for longer, and business confidence has fallen through the floor. This is a crisis made in Downing Street.” But defending her position, Ms Reeves said: “Leadership is not about ducking these challenges, it is about rising to them. Defending her decision to visit Beijing, Ms Reeves said “not engaging with China is simply not an option”, adding that “security and economic growth go hand in hand”. Hitting back, Ms Reeves said: “I’m not sure how the honourable lady thinks we’re going to raise difficult issues unless we engage with the second-biggest economy in the world.