Starmer Opens Door to Hiking Main UK Taxes in Looming Budget (2)

Oct. 29, 2025, 5:37 PM UTC

Prime Minister Keir Starmer refused to rule out raising income tax, national insurance or value added tax at the upcoming budget, suggesting the government may break its pre-election promises in order to fill a growing hole in the public finances.

Asked by Conservative opposition leader Kemi Badenoch if he’d adhere to the electoral vow on the three key tax rates — one of Labour’s flagship offerings in last year’s campaign — the premier avoided an answer.

“The budget is on the 26th of November and we will lay out our plans, but I can tell the House now that we ...

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