Rt Hon Sir David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford and Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party, has strongly endorsed the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spending Review 2020, which aims to deliver on the peoples' priorities. “The emphasis on jobs, infrastructure and economic growth, as well as more money for schools, hospitals and safer streets will be welcomed across the country”, Sir David stated.

The freeze on public sector pay and the reduction in the Aid Budget from 0.7% to 0.5% will be a disappointment to many, but is necessary in these unprecedented times, especially when so many people in the private sector are losing their jobs and experiencing reduced incomes. The increase in money for NHS workers and the increase in the minimum wage were “good news in these difficult financial and economic times.”

Sir David commented “we are still experiencing a severe health emergency because of COVID 19 and we are also facing a domestic economic emergency. As the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has said, we need to prioritise domestic issues and sticking to the aid pledge at this time is difficult to justify to the British people as we are the second highest aid donor in the G7 – higher than the USA, Japan, France and Canada.”

 “Protecting peoples lives and livelihoods must be the top priority. Our Government will spend over £280 billion in response to the consequences of coronavirus pandemic and is determined to beat the virus and restore our economic health.”