What the Tories give with one hand, they take away with the other

Liam Byrne, Labour’s Chief Secretary to the Treasury responding to the Tories announcement on marriage tax said:

“When Britain faces a large budget deficit as a result of the international financial crisis, this is very expensive gesture politics.

“What’s even worse is that for many it is an empty gesture and for families with children highly counter productive when judged in the context of all the Tories policies.

“So, with the Tories, you always need to look behind the headlines. Because what the the Tories give with one hand, they take away with the other.

“Giveaways, but no honesty about the price families would pay."


Yvette Cooper, Labour's Works and Pensions Secretary said:

"We think we should help children in families of all shapes and sizes. Our manifesto will pledge a toddler tax credit of £4 a week for families with one and two year olds when mums especially want to work part time or stay at home. That will help children no matter what their family circumstances.

"The Tories want to help some married couples but cut help for kids. Most families with kids won't benefit at all from the Tories plans. Yet they are cutting child tax credits, the child trust fund and SureStart. How can that be good for families in Britain?

"David Cameron has shown the Tories haven't changed - they won't help kids, and their plans are unfair, irresponsible, out of touch and out of date.”

Ed Balls, Labour's Schools Secretary said

“This is one of those typical Conservative policies which look good for about five minutes when you think it applies to you but in reality many people will miss out, because in fact the Tories will be giving with one hand to a few and taking it away from many families in cuts to child trust funds, tax credits, schools and children’s centres.

“It actually exposes the Conservatives as not being the party of the family at all.”