Political parties, business groups and trade unions respond to the Autumn Budget.

Political parties

Labour – “This Budget has been an advertisement for just how out-of-touch this Government is with the reality of people’s lives. […] People were looking for help from this Budget, they have been let down. Let down by a Government that like the economy they’ve presided over is weak and in need of urgent change.”

Scottish National Party – "The Chancellor has painted a picture of a strong economy, ready for the impending economic disaster of Brexit. We all have to wonder [...] just what planet he is on. [...] Today’s budget was an opportunity to address these challenges and make this a budget for people and prosperity. The reality is there is nothing in this budget that deals with the challenges we face."

Liberal Democrats – “Philip Hammond might as well have sat down and stopped talking once he announced this slump in growth figures. […]The worst part is much of this damage is self-inflicted, with the hard Brexit this government in pursuing.”

Democratic Unionist Party – "This budget reinforces the relationship which we now have with the Government. We are pleased that our influence has not just delivered for Northern Ireland but also good policies for the whole United Kingdom."

Plaid Cymru - "In prolonging austerity well into the next decade and sticking to the most economically damaging form of Brexit, the squeeze on living standards will only get worse. [...] Once again the Westminster Government has delivered a City-centric budget, deliberately overheating the south east of England while Wales is left out in the cold."

Business groups

Confederation of British Industry – "Against a sombre economic backdrop, the Chancellor today gripped the steering wheel on the UK economy. This is a budget that balances support for people on squeezed incomes with vital action to help grow the UK out of austerity. But delivery is everything.​"

Federation of Small Businesses – “Overall, this is a business-friendly Budget. The Chancellor’s vision for an inclusive economy includes a set of measures that will boost confidence across the small business community as they face extremely challenging trading conditions.”

Institute of Directors – “The Chancellor dipped his toe in the water with this Budget, but failed to make a splash with business. […] Philip Hammond faced a difficult task today with ugly growth forecasts, and plenty of demands on the Treasury, but companies will still be disappointed with what they got.”

Trade unions

TUC  (General Secretary via Twitter) – “This isn’t the investment boost we need to drive great jobs and higher wages. The Chancellor must try harder […] No cherry-picking. After seven years of pay cuts, ALL our public servants deserve the payrise they’ve worked for. Fully funded.”

Unite – “Millions of households, who are struggling to make ends meet in the face of the biggest squeeze in living standards ever, will be left wondering where is this bright future the chancellor keeps going on about?”