sparked applause from the BBC audience after branding Rachel Reeves’s Budget as a “disaster”. The Reform deputy leader took the swipe after Labour minister Bridget Phillipson admitted growing Britain’s economy was “tough” and a “big challenge”. The moment came as the panel show discussed the economy and defence spending.
Education Secretary Ms Phillipson said: “It’s imperative that we spend more on defence, it’s absolutely essential for our national security.” Host Fiona Bruce asked: “But if we want to get to 3% of GDP on defence spending that will cost an additional £16 billion. Where is that going to come from?”
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice (Image: BBC )
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Ms Phillipson replied: “We will have to grow our economy.”
The presenter then asked: “And how’s that going at the moment would you say?”.
Ms Phillipson said: “Well it’s tough, it’s a big challenge.”
At this point, Mr Tice cut in: “After your blunder Budget it’s a disaster.”
His comments prompted applause and some laughter from members of the audience.
Ms Phillipson shook her head then said: “Yes more defence spending but we’ve got to use that to create more job opportunities for small businesses in particular and more apprenticeships.
“So it’s imperative we do it but we’ve got to use it as part of that story around growth.”
It comes as the Chancellor has faced an ongoing backlash for her tax-hiking Budget last October.