Starmer Warns of Painful Autumn Budget

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated that the upcoming October budget will involve 'painful' higher taxes, primarily targeting the wealthy, as part of his strategy to address the significant £22 billion fiscal gap left by the previous Conservative government. During his address from Downing Street, he acknowledged that the country is facing deeper issues than anticipated, requiring short-term sacrifices for long-term stability. Alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Starmer reiterated that while income tax, VAT, and National Insurance for working people will not increase, other tax hikes cannot be ruled out. The Labour government is also set to implement cost-cutting measures, including the scrapping of the Winter Fuel Payment for many pensioners. Starmer emphasized the need for transparency regarding the tough choices ahead as they seek to restore trust in government amidst societal divisions. These developments come in the wake of recent civil unrest, which Starmer attributes to the Conservatives' failure to address pressing societal issues.