Commons Speaker Criticizes Budget Leak and Government Response

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has strongly criticized Chancellor Rachel Reeves for prematurely disclosing key Budget details to the media, breaching the ministerial code. Reeves announced significant policy changes, including a technical adjustment to how government debt is measured, during international interviews, which led to accusations of discourtesy towards MPs. Hoyle emphasized that such announcements should be made in Parliament to allow for proper scrutiny by elected members. The Speaker highlighted the potential for increased infrastructure spending and changes to fiscal rules, potentially allowing for an additional £50 billion in public investment. He also noted that the current government seems to be repeating mistakes it criticized the previous administration for. The government has acknowledged the Speaker's concerns and assured that they are taking their obligations to the House seriously.