The Lagan Valley MP said the Chancellor’s Spring Statement confirmed Labour’s decision to stick with the Conservatives’ failed approach of austerity – forcing those with the least to pay for an economic crisis they didn’t create, rather than asking those who can most afford it to contribute their fair share.

“Last week’s widespread outrage over the Government’s cruel benefit cuts has been met with indifference from Labour, who seem content to continue this morally bankrupt economic strategy,” said Ms Eastwood.

“Northern Ireland is set to suffer the worst impacts of these cuts, yet we won’t see any of the mitigations promised elsewhere in the UK, such as employability support. Labour campaigned on change, but instead, they are offering more of the same - targeting those on the lowest incomes rather than taking fair, sensible steps to rebalance the economy.

“The Chancellor’s fiscal rules are self-imposed and self-defeating. The books must be balanced, but that should come on the backs of those who can bear the weight, such as billionaires and multinational tech companies, not those struggling just to keep the lights on. Instead, we are seeing a deliberate political choice to pursue cuts and austerity when fairer, more responsible alternatives are available.

“While Labour is happy to go after those on state support, they continue to ignore one of the biggest drags on our economy - Brexit. If they were serious about fixing the mess they’ve inherited, they would be confronting the economic damage it has caused and looking at real mitigations, such as rejoining the Single Market or Customs Union.

“The economic outlook is already bleak, and today’s statement makes clear it may get even worse. Austerity has failed, and doubling down on it is inexcusable and senseless."