Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under fire after reports emerged that she accepted free tickets to a Sabrina Carpenter concert last week, reigniting the controversy over ministers accepting freebies. According to The i Paper, Reeves attended the concert at the O2 Arena in a corporate box, where resale tickets for the event reportedly cost nearly £1,000. The revelation comes as the government prepares to announce significant cuts to disability benefits, sparking criticism from opposition MPs and the public.
While there is no suggestion that Reeves broke any rules—ministers are allowed to accept free tickets as long as they are declared—the news has drawn sharp criticism, particularly given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Labour MP Rachael Maskell described the reports as “deeply troubling,” especially at a time when many disabled people are facing uncertainty over potential reductions to their benefits.
Maskell said, “So to hear of a repeat, should it have occurred, is deeply troubling, not least at a time when many disabled people are worried sick about having their lifeline of support reduced under the ‘Get Britain Working’ reforms.”
The controversy echoes last year’s “freebies row,” which saw several cabinet ministers, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, accept expensive gifts and hospitality. In one notable instance, ministers accepted tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, with the total value exceeding £23,000. Following weeks of criticism, Sir Keir repaid £6,000 for hospitality and gifts he had received and announced tighter rules on declaring donations and gifts.
The government has defended its welfare reforms, arguing that they are necessary to improve incentives for people to find work. However, critics fear that up to a million people could see their benefits reduced as part of the overhaul, exacerbating financial pressures on vulnerable households.
Reeves’ attendance at the Sabrina Carpenter concert has raised questions about the appropriateness of ministers accepting luxury perks while implementing austerity measures. The chancellor has not yet commented on the reports, but the incident is likely to fuel further debate over transparency and accountability in government.
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