Chancellor Rachel Reeves has addressed the emotional moment that saw her tear up in the House of Commons. Speaking in her first interview since the incident, Reeves said she had “a tough day” and was “clearly upset” due to a personal matter.
Without revealing details, Rachel Reeves said, “Today’s a new day and I’m just cracking on with the job.” Her comments came during a surprise appearance alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to unveil the government’s 10-year NHS plan at an East London hospital.
Following her tearful appearance at Prime Minister’s Questions, financial markets reacted nervously. Government borrowing costs briefly rose, reflecting concerns over her political future. An analyst told the BBC the market feared losing Rachel Reeves might weaken control over the UK’s finances.
However, the situation calmed after Sir Keir reaffirmed his support. He said Reeves would stay in her role “for a very long time” and praised her fiscal leadership during the NHS policy launch. Reeves smiled and hugged the prime minister during the visit, reinforcing their public unity.
The emotional episode in Parliament came amid growing pressure on Reeves. Labour rebels forced changes to a government benefits bill, leaving a £5 billion gap in her spending plans. Reeves now faces the challenge of addressing this hole in the autumn Budget while sticking to her strict borrowing rules.
She made it clear that fiscal discipline remains her priority. Reeves said the government would not borrow for day-to-day spending and is committed to reducing national debt by 2029–30. “The stability we’ve returned to the economy is only possible because of fiscal discipline,” she said.
When asked whether taxes would rise, Rachel Reeves said she would not speculate but acknowledged that the recent welfare changes passed by Parliament would affect the Budget.
Meanwhile, opposition figures acknowledged Reeves’ emotional moment. Shadow chancellor Mel Stride said it showed politicians are “human beings.” However, he criticised the government’s financial approach and warned of likely tax hikes in the near future.
Despite challenges, Reeves remains firm in her role, backed by the prime minister and committed to maintaining economic stability.
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