If these reports are true it would represent another example of a Chancellor yet again ducking a big decision and putting the interests of his party ahead of those of our country - John McDonnell

John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, responding to the reports today that George Osborne is reversing his plans on pension reform, said:

“If these reports are true it would represent another example of a Chancellor yet again ducking a big decision and putting the interests of his party ahead of those of our country. "The government looks almost at times like it is in stasis because of splits in the Tory party and this sort of dithering only further highlights how the Tories are holding us back.

"The big test for this Budget is whether it can start to lay the secure foundations for the economy of the future. This decision suggests George Osborne is only interested in securing the future leadership of his party.”

Ends