Why can’t Keir Starmer lead? Opinion Later this week, Keir Starmer will celebrate the one year anniversary of his thumping election victory. Although he constantly tells journalists that he “doesn’t do” self reflection, if he does choose to recognise this political milestone he’ll surely be unnerved to consider that it’s less a case of “look how much we’ve achieved” and more [...]
Labour’s welfare U-turn spikes fears of tax hikes Economics The Labour government has confirmed its latest U-turn with a significant retreat on welfare reform dealing a crushing blow to Rachel Reeves’ waning fiscal headroom. The bill initially targeted restrictions on personal independence payments (PIP) and limited the sickness-related element of universal credit in a bid to shed £5bn from the welfare budget by 2030. Under [...]
Reeves’ spending spree could open £20bn gap – which taxes will rise? Economics Rachel Reeves splashed the taxpayer cash in her inaugural Spending Review, raising expectations the Chancellor may be coming back for more tax revenue in the Autumn if her growth ambitions are not met. Reeves is set to hand out an extra £190bn in government spending over the course of the parliament, in what she described [...]
Starmer’s bid to ease welfare cuts piles pressure on Rachel Reeves May 26, 2025 Keir Starmer has told his cabinet to jettison the two-child benefit cap, according to reports over the weekend, in a move that piles pressure on the Treasury and chancellor Rachel Reeves. The cap, which was introduced by the Conservative party a decade ago, prevents low-income families from receiving additional universal credit after the first two [...]
Reeves’ impossible mission to save the public finances – in four charts May 22, 2025 Government borrowing spiked in April, according to official data, in a stark illustration of the difficult fiscal tightrope that the Chancellor Reeves is walking. The £20.2bn in monthly borrowing was steeper than economists’ prediction of £18bn. So, Reeves might have shivered when she heard Keir Starmer tell the House of Commons winter fuel payments would [...]
Government U-turns on winter fuel allowances May 21, 2025 Keir Starmer plans to soften the government’s stance on winter fuel allowances in a major U-turn after restrictions on the payments sparked a backlash from pensioners. During Prime Minister’s questions, the Prime Minister said the government wants to “ensure that as we go forward, more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payments,” as part of [...]