Treasury Minister Emma Reynolds sparks debate over definition of working people

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds has drawn criticism from political opponents after stating that employers are not “working people,” but are instead “companies.”

During an interview with GB News, Reynolds defended the government’s recent Budget, which included tax increases for landlords and savers. She argued that the Labour government has honored its manifesto commitment to avoid raising taxes on working people by not increasing the headline rates of income tax, VAT, or national insurance for employees.

The remarks have reignited a political dispute regarding the government’s economic policies. Conservative politicians, including Shadow Business Minister Bradley Thomas and Shadow Work and Pensions Minister Helen Whately, criticized the distinction, arguing that small business owners and entrepreneurs are indeed working people who are facing increased financial pressures from rising operating costs and higher National Insurance contributions.