Autumn Budget will be painful, warns Starmer

Published On Aug 26, 2024, 5:30 PM

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned that the upcoming Labour budget will be "painful" and that the public must accept short-term hardship for long-term benefits. He criticized the previous Conservative government for leaving a significant fiscal and societal deficit. Starmer reiterated promises not to raise certain taxes, though he hinted at potential increases in inheritance and capital gains tax. The government is planning cost-cutting measures while aiming to resolve ongoing national strikes. He faced criticism for perceived cronyism and was challenged by opposition leaders regarding the economic policies and their impact on living standards. Starmer stressed the need for necessary toughness to fix societal foundations and restore integrity in governance.