Live: Starmer denies ‘tax hikes’ for working people in pre-Budget speech

Sir Keir Starmer warns that Britain faces "unprecedented challenges" in a speech on Monday, 28 October, ahead of Labour's first budget for 14 years.

The prime minister's speech in the West Midlands — a region in which Labour swept away the Tories in the general election — comes amid widespread speculation that Rachel Reeves is set to raise taxes by between £25 billion to £40 billion.

Sir Keir will say that the country faces unprecedented challenges after the last government covered up the state of the public finances and crumbling public services:
“We have to be realistic about where we are as a country. This is not 1997, when the economy was decent but public services were on their knees. And it’s not 2010, where public services were strong, but the public finances were weak. These are unprecedented circumstances.

“And that’s before we even get to the long-term challenges ignored for fourteen years. An economy riddled with weakness on productivity and investment. A state that needs urgent modernisation to face down the challenge of a volatile world."

The chancellor is now expected to increase employer contributions to national insurance by 2 per cent despite promising not to increase national insurance in the Budget.

There are also expected to be hikes in inheritance tax and capital gains. Ms Reeves has pledged not to increase “taxes on working people” including income tax, employee contributions to national insurance or VAT.

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[strangetrip]

Got a letter today cancelling my winter fuel allowance, which is equivalent to a tax rise for the elderly 🤬

[bazmedhurst]

Bring back guy fawkes, he would be allowed to complete the job this time

[Orcbotbasher]

If Starmer has denied it then you know it's true.

[bl]

This being makes my skin crawl. Lies lies and more lies no matter he much he uses lawyer skills to disguise them.

[BahHumbug]

It only took three months for working people to lose Trust in You.

[tonyrobinson]

Makes me sick to see his face, Nothing but a liar.

[Alf-Garnish]

He 'promises' better days ahead, yet he's a proven liar. Nobody trusts him.

[ianjones]

I’ve just received my monthly pension and paid 35 £more in tax than in September fxckig twxats

[tonyrobinson]

We know the hotels will be warm this winter, Thugs where? He likes that phrase.

[billybunter]

oh no how long have we got to put up with this most depressing prime minister just doom and gloom and no hope for the poor and destitute

[cathryncoate]

Pity he can’t wear his poppy the right way!!

[pamelacrowell]

Well, he likes making speeches! Yep, an elitist telling how he's gonna make his life even better, with more privilege.

[QOMY]

Nice suit Two Tier i bet it was a tough Labour choice to scrounge that from your mate.

[elky]

Extra 2 pound a day bus fayre to work on production line ...only another 40 pounb a month all pray to labour thank tou so glad i voted you ..never again

[andrewwalker]

At least it better than tories torid austerity bs with sweet fa to show for it unless your michelle mone