News 04/11/25

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has declined to say whether she will stick to Labour’s manifesto tax pledges when she delivers her Budget later this month.

Pressed by political editor Beth Rigby on whether she will honour promises not to raise income tax, VAT or National Insurance, Reeves refused to give details ahead of Budget day.

She says all will be revealed on 26 November, and insisted any chancellor would be facing similar economic challenges.

Reeves added that her priorities will shape the decisions she makes, promising a Budget focused on growth and fairness, and one that supports businesses to create jobs and innovate.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to promise what she calls fair choices in her upcoming Budget, as she prepares to address growing speculation over possible tax rises.

Her speech from Downing Street later today comes amid predictions from economists that taxes will increase when she delivers the Budget on 26 November. Labour had pledged not to raise income tax, VAT or National Insurance during the election campaign. The Resolution Foundation think tank says tax rises are inevitable as the chancellor looks to stabilise the public finances.

Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride has labelled today’s appearance an emergency press conference, warning higher taxes are coming, and saying Reeves should be sacked if she breaks her promises.

A North Yorkshire woman has spoken about the emotional and physical strain of starting IVF treatment.

Thirty eight year old Natalie Rowntree says the process has already involved seven medical appointments in just eight weeks, including blood tests, scans and X rays. One procedure left her in pain for several days. Natalie works at a private opticians and says the strict timing of appointments has been hard to manage alongside her job. She has had to use sick days and holiday leave to attend each stage of her treatment.

She describes the journey so far as intense.