Andrew Neil savages Rachel Reeves for 'spouting nonsense' in furious rant

Andrew Neil hit out at Rachel Reeves for "spouting nonsense" after new figures showed the economy unexpectedly shrank last month. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 0.1% in May.

The veteran broadcaster highlighted how the Chancellor described a 0.1% reduction in monthly GDP as a "dramatic drop" three years ago while in opposition. He wrote on X: "Three years ago Reeves described a 0.1% fall in monthly GDP a 'dramatic drop' and demanded the then Chancellor come up with an emergency budget.

"Of course that was all nonsense, as it would be now if anybody repeated it. But we should not forget the nonsense she spouted in opposition, for which she is far more suited than government.

"Nor that she and Starmer continue to spout economic drivel with claims they've 'fixed the foundations'."

Ms Reeves made the comment in a post on X in May 2022. She said: "GDP figures see dramatic drop to -0.1% in March.

"This adds to the worries families already face from the cost of living crisis.

"If the PM and Cabinet come back from their away day in Staffordshire today with anything less than an emergency budget, they will have failed."

In a further post on X, Mr Neil referred to the Chancellor describing today's figures as "disappointing" but adding that she is "determined to kickstart economic growth and deliver on that promise".

He said: "Chancellor Reeves now said figures were 'disappointing' but she remained 'determined to kickstart economic growth'.

"Only weeks ago she and Starmer were touting UK as fastest-growing economy in G7. They really have no idea what they're talking about. And how she can 'kickstart growth' with another huge tax rise coming down the pike is one of life's enduring mysteries."