Labour ‘not looking to raise taxes to fund benefits’ as Mandelson messages suggest

A journalist holds a copy of part of the collection of messages and emails that concern the appointment of Peter Mandelson. Photograph: Alberto Pezzali/AP

Labour MPs are not looking to raise taxes to fund more benefits, the Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has said.

In messages between the work and pensions secretary, Pat McFadden, and Peter Mandelson released on Monday, McFadden wrote: “Every meeting I have is: ‘Who can we tax in order to pay benefits to others?’ They’re asking the wrong questions.”