Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, commenting on business investment figures that shows a 1.6 per cent decline over the year, said:

“Today’s fall in business investment shows that even before the referendum, this Conservative Government had six wasted years that failed to support the investment we need to create well-paid, secure jobs. They are now heaping error on error with their shambolic handling of Brexit and refusing to guarantee the full, tariff-free access to the single market to support jobs and the economy.

"Chancellor Philip Hammond betrayed those just about managing in this week’s Autumn Statement, who now face an unprecedented decline in earnings for more than a decade, by continuing austerity spending cuts and failing to invest in the future. Labour will end austerity and deliver the investment we need to rebuild and transform our economy so no-one and no community is left behind.”