Starmer backs Budget amid questions over Reeves' forecasts

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer plans to voice strong support for Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Budget, framing it as a catalyst for faster growth. He is expected to say the plan will help households cope with rising living costs and strengthen economic stability.

Solid backing for growth and resilience

In a Monday speech, the prime minister will reaffirm government support for Reeves' Budget, arguing the package lays the groundwork for higher growth and steadier prices. He is expected to say the plan can help families while attracting investment.

Finance questions and forecasts

The debate comes as the Treasury faces questions about how transparent it was on public finances ahead of the Budget. Opponents contend Reeves painted a gloomier picture than official forecasts suggested, while Downing Street defends her statements.

Even with the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) downgrading growth next year, Starmer is set to argue that growth is outperforming expectations and more can be done to boost investment and productivity.

Infrastructure, regulation and energy strategy

Starmer is expected to call for cutting unnecessary red tape in infrastructure following a report that the UK is among the most expensive places to build nuclear power facilities. He will urge reforms to the energy sector and to environmental rules he says are misdirected.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle will be tasked with applying lessons from the nuclear report to broader infrastructure projects.

Reaction, headlines and upcoming media appearances

The Monday speech follows days of criticism as Reeves faced claims that she used an overly pessimistic forecast to justify higher taxes. A letter from the OBR chair suggested public finances were in better shape than some believed, a point Tory critics challenged as misleading.

Reeves and Tory figure Kemi Badenoch are scheduled to appear on political programs this weekend, highlighting ongoing policy debates.

Conclusion

The Budget debate centers on growth, trust, and the practical steps to improve living standards. Success will depend on clear delivery of proposals and credible financial planning.

Expert comment

Expert comment: Analysts say the overall impact will hinge on how well the policies can be implemented and communicated. Clear, credible finance messaging is crucial to maintain public confidence in the plan.

Short summary

Starmer endorses the Budget while opposition critics question the forecasts. The discussion highlights growth strategies, financial transparency, and infrastructure reforms, especially in energy. The government will be judged by its ability to deliver and reassure the public.

Key insight: Political leadership must pair growth ambitions with transparent, credible financial messaging to maintain public trust in economic policy. Source