Sir Keir Starmer insists the government’s self-imposed fiscal rules are “absolutely ironclad” and “non-negotiable”, despite mounting pressure on global economies in the wake of Donald Trump’s tariffs.
In an interview with ITV’s Robert Peston, he said: “The fiscal rules were put in for a purpose. They’re ironclad. They’re non-negotiable.
“They’re not going to change. We’re acting in the national interest – those fiscal rules are foundational to the stability that we brought to our economy.”
In an interview that will be aired in full on the Peston programme on ITV1 and ITVX at 10:45pm, Starmer was asked whether he would need to put up taxes in the autumn.
“I don’t accept the proposition that it’s inevitable things will happen in six months’ time”, Starmer replied.
“Liz Truss tried the experiment of putting to one side rules and institutions, checks and balances, and it had a huge impact on working people across the country when she crashed the economy. We are not going to allow that to happen for working people”, Starmer added.
Reckless
Many in the Labour Party think there is another way, Neil Duncan-Jordan, Labour MP for Poole, made a speech in the Commons.
He shared the video and wrote: “Cutting disability support will push thousands into destitution – hitting Labour areas hardest. It’s morally wrong and politically reckless. Polling shows the public overwhelmingly backs wealth taxes over cuts. Those with the broadest shoulders should bear the burden.”
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