UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledged not to accept free concert tickets after backlash over attending a show with a family member, citing public concerns.
As reported by The Guardian, Ms. Reeves stated she will stop accepting free concert tickets following criticism for attending a Sabrina Carpenter performance with a family member without paying.
What did Rachel Reeves say about accepting free concert tickets?
In response to questions on accepting free tickets, Reeves said she ‘wouldn’t do it again’ and understood how people felt.
She stated,
“I wouldn’t do it again, I felt I was doing the right thing, but I do understand perceptions,” adding, “I’m not intending to take concert tickets in the future. But you know, it is a balancing act in my job to try and be a good parent and also do my job with some of the security challenges that I face.”
In response to a question about ruling out freebies, she explained she would accept hospitality if it was necessary for her role, like attending a formal dinner or event.
Did Rachel Reeves accept free tickets to multiple events?
The Daily Mail reports the Chancellor, who earns £67,505 alongside her £91,346 salary, confirmed she received free tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest and Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre.
Reports suggest she attended the performance at the O2 Arena in a corporate box, where some resale tickets reached nearly £1,000, amid backlash from MPs over her £5 billion benefits cut plan.
Ms Reeves also received a £200 Harrods hamper from the Qatari Embassy, but records show it was “used for hospitality” rather than kept by her or HM Treasury.
How did Matthew Pennycook respond to free concert tickets?
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook stated he had accepted “zero” free performance tickets. He said,
“I don’t personally think it’s appropriate. If I want to go to a concert at the O2, I’ll pay for it. But individual MPs, individual ministers, make their own decisions.”
Seven Cabinet ministers accepted free Taylor Swift tickets
Seven Cabinet ministers, including Keir Starmer, received free tickets for Taylor Swift’s tour, costing £23,328.
After becoming prime minister, he repaid £6,000 in gifts, including Taylor Swift tickets, and data showed he had accepted more freebies than any other MP in the past five years.
However, in September, Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner, and Rachel Reeves said they would no longer accept free clothes to end the controversy.
What did a Conservative source say about Reeves’ freebies and budget?
A Conservative source stated,
“Reeves needs to come clean and reveal how she came to get these freebies. She seems to be more focused on jollies than fixing the mistakes in her budget. It’s no wonder she needs an emergency budget.”
They continued,
“It’s a slap in the face to working people that she doesn’t seem fussed that the economy is tanking, business confidence is shot, and taxes are at record highs. It shows just how out of touch she is.”
What did Rachel Reeves say about welfare reforms and poverty?
Rachel Reeve’s during an interview on Sky News, stated,
“I am certain that our reforms, instead of pushing people into poverty, are going to get people into work. And we know that if you move from welfare into work, you are much less likely to be in poverty.”
She added,
“That is our ambition: making people better off, not making people worse off, and also the welfare state will always be there for people who genuinely need it.”