Chris Philp Faces Backlash Over Call for Improved UK Work Ethic

The shadow home secretary's comments about economic inactivity and productivity draw criticism from opposition parties and highlight Conservative policy divisions.

• Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, stated that the UK needs a stronger work ethic to compete globally, citing 9 million working-age adults not in employment.
• Opposition parties criticized Philp's remarks, pointing to his role in Liz Truss's mini-budget, which was widely blamed for economic turmoil in 2022.
• Labour and the Liberal Democrats accused Philp of shifting blame for the UK's economic struggles onto the public, labeling his comments as out of touch.
• Philp acknowledged mistakes in Conservative immigration policies under previous governments, admitting that high immigration numbers were not adequately controlled.
• The controversy underscores broader tensions within the Conservative Party regarding economic and immigration policy under Kemi Badenoch's leadership.

3 Articles

The Guardian Sky News The Telegraph