Readers dicuss: Did Rachel Reeves deliver? 💭

Did someone forward you this newsletter?
Click here to subscribe.

Hi Diogenes,

Welcome to openDemocracy's weekly reader comments round-up. We receive so many carefully considered messages about our work that it seems a shame to keep them to ourselves. Send us your thoughts for next week's round-up by replying directly to any of our emails or commenting on our articles or Instagram posts.

These comments are edited for clarity, accuracy and length, and aren't necessarily a reflection of openDemocracy's editorial position.

- openDemocracy

Re: Did Rachel Reeves' 'cost of living budget' deliver for women?

I gave up on Labour before the election. It failed to keep up the principles and mandates of the Labour cause. The fact that we're here with a 'blue' government, doing 'blue' things, is not a surprise. I voted for the Green Party last time, despite decades of being a Labour member and voter. I'll do the same next time –Michael via Bluesky

Rachel Reeves aimed her budget at the most needy in society, obviously the rich fat cats won't be happy! Let them leave the UK – they are a greedy scourge on society who don't like paying tax of any kind. –shug via Bluesky

Re: This budget shows Labour government is still stuck in short-termism

Every government in the West is stuck in short-termism. The minute a new government is formed, its only objective is to get re-elected, and the opposition's objective is to get elected. Pre-election promises are made that will never happen. –Jerry via X

At the moment, it appears to be a case of 'one week at a time' for Starmer. Do your best to keep a memory of events longer than that. –Tim via Facebook

Will you help defend democracy?

A world in turmoil needs fearless, independent investigative journalism that can overcome censorship and hold power to account.

That's the kind of media you deserve – and you can support it when you donate to openDemocracy today. When you give today, you can:

Keep openDemocracy free to read for everyone
Provide our team with the support they need to work safely in a dangerous world
Deliver the reporting that matters to you – and that reaches as many people as possible

Please support independent non-profit journalism by donating today.

Please donate now

Re: Yet another government has failed to deliver for Disabled people

Betrayal comes to mind since this government came into power. Liz Kendall, Labour's work and pensions secretary, used her first statement after taking office in July last year to say: "We will not blame people for being Disabled." That's all she said. Nothing about stopping what amounted to persecution for many. Forgetting promises to be better than the Conservatives. –Helen via X

Re: Weekly Poll: Is the UK budget what you expected?

Yes, the budget and the response from the press and opposition were fairly predictable. But none of it will achieve the radical change we need.

I would like to have seen the Labour manifesto and subsequent budgets tackle the huge social problems that are engulfing the nation, instead of nibbling around the edges of them. I think that requires a significant redistribution of the wealth through taxation, land ownership, and welfare payments.

I would also like to see the UK establish a closer relationship with Europe, as advocated by the Liberal Democrats. Another priority should be an in-depth, challenging investigation of the whole of government expenditure, with a view to establishing clear priorities and firm financial controls to focus expenditure where it is needed, cut out waste and unnecessary outgoings and reduce the size of the civil service and the number of contracts with the private sector.

I have not voted Labour for many years! –Colin Cockshaw via email