Labour Faces Pressure on Slow Growth as Lib Dems Push for £3 Bus Fare Cap Extension

Tensions rise in the UK as the shadow chancellor, Mel Stride, strongly advised against any suggestion of rejoining the EU single market or customs union following comments from the Bank of England chief, who pointed to Brexit’s detrimental effect on the economy. Stride emphasized the importance of respecting the decision to leave the EU while also acknowledging economic challenges.

Meanwhile, Labour’s chancellor Rachel Reeves faces pressure after disappointing GDP growth figures showed a slowdown under Labour’s leadership. Critics, including the Liberal Democrats, argue that the government should reverse plans to increase bus fares, which could negatively affect local businesses and communities already grappling with high living costs. As the economic challenges mount, Labour may need to shift focus from growth targets to addressing the cost of living concerns ahead of the next election.