“Osborne’s failed on every measure he has ever set himself”: John McDonnell pre-budget video

John McDonnell has called on Osborne to reverse benefit cuts in a video before today’s budget.

See below for a transcript of what he said.

Today’s #Budget2016 is George Osborne’s 8th as Chancellor. He’s failed on every measure he has ever set himself.https://t.co/bp2fRfEKIM

— John McDonnell MP (@johnmcdonnellMP) March 16, 2016

In today’s budget I want some straight talking. I want George Osborne to come to Parliament and be honest with us.

Three months ago he told us we had a robust economy – and now we’re facing serious economic problems. I don’t want any more press releases announcing infrastructure projects and housing projects that are never delivered.

And I want fairness as well. 80 per cent of the cuts so far have fallen on women. Last week he cut the benefits to disabled people who are desperately trying to get back into work. I want him to come to parliament and reverse those cuts.

I want, really, to ensure we have a robust economy in the future in which we invest in skills, in infrastructure and new technology and then we can have a prosperous economy but I want that shared by all.

That’s the sort of budget a Labour Chancellor would deliver. That’s the sort of budget I’ll deliver when we go back into parliament.