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Get ready to face harsh reality, Starmer to warn
The Budget will embrace the "harsh light of fiscal reality" but "better days are ahead", Sir Keir Starmer will say in a speech ahead of Wednesday's announcement. The prime minister is expected to warn of "unprecedented" economic challenges but will say the government will "run towards them" as Labour prepares for its first Budget in almost 15 years. The government is expected to announce a series of expected tax hikes, including a rise in the National Insurance (NICs) rate paid by employers which some claim breaks Labour's manifesto pledge not to increase taxes for "working people". The Conservatives have ... (full story)