Rachel Reeves will visit North America in a major investment campaign to create thousands of jobs

RACHEL Reeves will defend Britain this week in a major investment drive across North America to help create thousands of jobs there.

The Chancellor will meet business leaders in New York and Toronto in the hope of channeling billions into the UK to improve living standards.

She promises to “beat the drum” for Britain, seeking to convince Wall Street bosses to help revive our economy.

The financial sector is seen by ministers as the “jewel in the crown” of the UK economy.

And the trip comes ahead of a major investment summit in the UK in October, which will bring together 300 industry leaders.

Reeves claimed the Conservatives had left a £22 billion “black hole” – paving the way for tax rises in October’s budget.

She has already had to make difficult decisions, including eliminating winter fuel payments for ten million pensioners.

The Chancellor said yesterday: “I wasted no time in my first month in office taking the difficult decisions needed to fix the foundations of our economy, so that we can rebuild Britain and improve the situation for all parts of the country.”

She added: “There is no credible plan for growth without private sector investment.

“That’s why I’m breaking down barriers at home and beating the drum for Britain abroad as we prepare to host the International Investment Summit.”