reconsider

It also wants the Supreme Court to make a quick decision on whether it will reconsider the Court of Appeal's ruling.

The Ministry of Justice said: "After thorough consideration, we have unfortunately found no legal basis for the Lord Chancellor to ask the independent Parole Board to reconsider its decision to release Jeffrey Gafoor."

According to the letter, the cost increases will cause businesses to reconsider investment plans, jobs to be "drastically" cut and hours to be reduced for workers.

But Ms Campbell believes it is not the right time and hopes the UK government will reconsider the decision.

There had been speculation that planned reforms were being reconsidered, amid fears they would raise less money than expected.