On the same day that Britain officially slipped into a recession, leaflets boasting about economic growth were distributed to constituents by the campaign team of Conservative Justice Secretary Alex Chalk in Cheltenham.
The leaflets, which label Chalk as a “local MP,” highlight Rishi Sunak’s economic plan and claim “good news for our economy.” They assert that the UK economy is growing and tout progress under the Conservative government.
However, the timing of the leaflet distribution has raised eyebrows, as it coincides with official data revealing a 0.3% decline in GDP at the end of 2023, marking the country’s entry into a technical recession.
Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Sarah Olney criticized the leaflets, calling on Chalk and other Conservative MPs to correct the record. She described the claims as “garbage” and accused Conservative MPs of attempting to deceive constituents.
Lib Dem Leader Ed Davey lambasted the Conservative government for its handling of the economy, blaming “years of Conservative chaos” and a “revolving door” of Conservative Chancellors for economic turmoil.
The leaflet also boasts about the government’s plan to double free childcare to 30 hours a week. However, concerns have been raised about the government’s ability to meet this pledge on time, as evidenced by shortages and lack of availability in nurseries and childminders.
In response to the criticism, Chalk acknowledged the GDP figures released that day but emphasized the need to stick to the government’s plan to address economic challenges, citing high inflation as a significant barrier to growth.
The distribution of the leaflets comes just weeks before Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is set to deliver the Budget, highlighting ongoing economic concerns and the need for effective policymaking in the face of recession.
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