Labour is stuck in a holding pattern while it waits for the Chancellor’s big day
One of the regular complaints heard at Labour conference this year, was: “Is this it?” Keir Starmer’s first annual meet since his party came to power, saw little in the way of planned fireworks.
and has ramped up preparations now she’s back in Westminster. While her decision to talk about a £22bn fiscal black hole and then cut the fuel payment for pensioners has so far proved the most talked about move by Labour in its first few months, that is expected to be just the appetiser. The Budget is likely to be the defining moment of Starmer’s first year – and perhaps his government.
“It’s really tough,” warns a Reeves ally. The Chancellor is trying to perform a careful balancing act of warning of tricky decisions blamed on the Tory inheritance while also not going so far in her measures as to spook business and investors given that this government’s No 1 mission is meant to be economic growth.
The Budget will force Reeves to show her hand and make tough choices. She is under pressure to scrap the two-child benefit cap having only narrowly avoided a large Commons rebellion earlier this year. This could happen – but if it does, it is likely to be packaged alongside tighter rules for benefit claimants. “This is the type of thing MPs are prepared to go to war about,” says a party insider. However, the Chancellor takes the view that the current benefits bill is unsustainable.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Stormont ministers to discuss finances with Rachel ReevesThe first and deputy first ministers will travel to London to meet UK chancellor.
Read more »
Reeves warned housing needs Budget boost or Labour won’t hit 1.5m homes pledgeChief executive of Homes England Peter Denton says the Government must take the lead in building new homes
Read more »
Rachel Reeves warned not to return to austerity as Labour faces winter fuel revoltThe Chancellor will use her speech at Labour's annual conference to set out a more positive economic vision and promise that difficult decisions will bear fruit in the long run
Read more »
Reeves Vows No Return to Austerity in Labour BudgetChancellor Rachel Reeves will pledge to avoid austerity measures in the upcoming Labour budget, emphasizing investment and growth as key priorities. Speaking at the Labour Party conference, she will argue that tough decisions are needed to address the economic legacy of the Conservative government.
Read more »
No Return To Austerity Under Labour, Vows ReevesRachel Reeves will pledge there will be 'no return' to austerity under a Labour government in her speech at the party conference. She will say her first budget will 'rebuild Britain' and deliver the change people voted for.
Read more »
Money news: Rachel Reeves braced for Labour winter fuel cut showdownFollow for latest news and updates on Martin Lewis, savings tips, interest rates and news on Rachel Reeves and Labour's economy plans.
Read more »