Spring Statement: Sunak defends announced measures following criticism

Rishi Sunak has defended the measures set out in the Spring Statement on Wednesday, saying it contained tax cuts that will reward people for their hard work.

The chancellor said dealing with coronavirus, which he called the biggest economic shock in more than 300 years, has been "exceptional".

The Office for Budget Responsibility has said living standards are set to take the biggest hit since records began in the 1950s.