Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP has responded to the Government's Budget.

The Member of Parliament for the North Cotswolds reacted to Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcement of the Government's spending plans on Wednesday (October 30)

Sir Geoffrey said: "I was pleased to see money put towards SEND funding and rebuilding of schools and hospitals.

"However, this budget will not be popular with my constituents and will affect all people, not just working people.

"The Chancellor has increased taxes to £40 billion, and the national debt of £2.5 trillion has never been higher."

He said that the interest on this debt alone is equivalent to the fifth-largest single Government department.

He continued: "This will have a lasting effect on our children and grandchildren who will now be saddled with this debt for longer which they will have to repay."

Sir Geoffrey also expressed disappointment at the rise in national insurance contributions for employers, saying: "This will hit any business in my constituency employing more than four people."

He added: “The cut to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief is incredibly destructive.

"I fear this will lead to lose of jobs and livelihoods in the area, and will change the fabric of our countryside permanently because inevitably farms will have to be sold and split up."

Sir Geoffrey also called for the reintroduction of tax-free shopping, citing potential economic benefits.