A papier mache Rachel Reeves has appeared outside the Houses of Parliament just hours before the Chancellor unveils her tax-hiking Budget.
The stunt, which was unveiled by Green Party leader Zack Polanski this morning, also included an effigy of the supposed revenue which would be raised under a so-called wealth tax.
Bundles of sandbags were accompanied by a £24billion sign, with the figure likely coming from estimates of the impact of a two per cent tax on assets worth over £10million.
Speaking about the stunt, Mr Polanski said: “I’m having conversations with people all the time, including Labour MPs, about potential defections.
“But ultimately, I think the real thing that matters here is how we serve in communities, rather than shuffling the cards around on the table.
“What I’m really excited about is winning elections and we’re winning by elections at a local level week in, week out. And it’s time to start doing that in the next general election too.”
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Sir Keir Starmer insists he put ‘delivering economic security and opportunity’ at the heart of G20 trip
Sir Keir Starmer insists he put ‘delivering economic security and opportunity’ at the heart of G20 trip
| GB NEWS
The Prime Minister concluded by discussing his attendance at the G20 in South Africa last week, which he insisted he put “delivering economic security and opportunity” at the heart of his meetings.
Sir Keir Starmer announced a series of deals from the summit.
“A strong economy allows us to be strong in the world. Economic security is national security,” he said.
“So, I can tell the House we delivered for the British people this weekend, including deals with South Africa, for British firms to upgrade their railways and submarines, a £370m deal for Rolls-Royce to supply jet engines to Algeria, and a £4bn deal with Indonesia for new ships, delivering 1,000 jobs in Rosyth, Plymouth and Bristol.”
He then added: “In this moment of growing fragility and crisis around the world, it is time once again to take a more purposeful, unified approach focussed on global growth and stability.”
Concluding his speech, he announced that the UK will take on the presidency of the G20 in 2027 – the first time since 2009.
“It will be a proud moment for our country. Part of our work to restore Britain’s international leadership, which was neglected for so long,” he said.
“We will use that presidency to drive the agenda that I’ve been talking about today to drive growth and opportunity to create jobs, cut the cost of living, and fundamentally strengthen the economic security of the British people.”
‘Putin’s aggression is illegal’ says Sir Keir Starmer
‘Putin’s aggression is illegal’ says Sir Keir Starmer
| GB NEWS
Sir Keir Starmer told the House of Commons that “Putin’s aggression is illegal”, while adding that the usage of Russian oil was discussed at the G20 summit last weekend.
Mr Starmer travelled to South Africa n Saturday, meeting with leaders from France and Germany. US President Donald Trump did not attend.
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Starmer said: “It is not just our values that are at risk here, it’s our security too. In addition to targeting energy and food prices, Putin continues to seek to undermine our security, including by sending Russian ships into our waters.
“The urgent need to take Russian oil and gas off the global market was something I discussed extensively at the G20.
“This is vital, especially now as winter begins to bite in Ukraine and Putin continues his barbaric attacks on civilians and civilian energy infrastructure.
“We should not forget that Putin’s aggression is illegal. Actions and his total disregard for human life has taken a huge toll on his own people.
“We say again, this country will never falter in our support for the Ukrainian people.”
Prime Minister says 28-point plan was ‘not acceptable’ but included some ‘very important elements’
Prime Minister says 28-point plan was ‘not acceptable’ but included some ‘very important elements’
| GB NEWS
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the 28-point plan proposed by the US as “not acceptable”, however acknowledged that “some very important elements” that could lead to “lasting peace.”
Addressing MPs in the House of Commons, Mr Starmer said: “I welcome the continued efforts of the United States to end the war and stop the killing.
“The initial draft of the 28 point plan included points that were not acceptable, but also some very important elements that will be essential for just and lasting peace.
“For example, it sets out steps on security guarantees from the US and partners. This is very significant, and the discussions in Geneva [over the past few days] took important steps forward with progress between the US and Ukraine on an updated peace framework. I can reassure the House that work is ongoing to refine this plan.”
Ukraine can continue to ‘rely on UK support’ says Downing Street
Sir Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky have held further discussions ahead of this afternoon’s “coalition of the willing”, with Downing Street insisting Ukraine can “rely on UK support” as discussions continue.
A spokesman for No10 said: “The Prime Minister began by sharing his condolences with President Zelensky on the appalling Russian attacks overnight, paying tribute to the Ukrainian people who showed such courage and resilience in the face of daily hardship and bloodshed from Putin’s ongoing onslaught.
“Reflecting on the talks in Geneva and the diplomatic discussions that have followed, the leaders agreed on the importance of securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
“The Prime Minister said Ukraine could rely on the UK support as discussions continued. Looking ahead to this afternoon’s coalition of the willing call, the leaders discussed the international unity that has been shown in support for Ukraine and underlined the importance of the continued work by coalition partners in preparation for deployment for multinational force following the cessation of hostilities.
“The Prime Minister and President look forward to speaking again soon.”
The spokesman also confirmed that the UK is still willing to put boots on the ground to protect Kyiv if necessary.
Wes Streeting confirms plans to introduce ‘milkshake tax’
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed that packaged milkshakes and lattes will be hit by the sugar tax in a bid to tackle obesity.
Mr Streeting said: “Obesity robs children of the best possible start in life, hits the poorest hardest, sets hem up for a lifetime of health problems and costs the NHS billions.
“So, I can announce to the house we’re expanding the soft drinks industry levy to include bottles and cartons of milkshakes, flavoured milk and milk substitute drinks. We’re also reducing the threshold to 4.5 grams of sugar per 100ml.
“This government will not look away as children get unhealthier.”
The changes will be formally announced by Rachel Reeves in her Budget tomorrow.
Volodymyr Zelensky thanks Sir Keir Starmer for ‘good and very productive’ conversation
Volodymyr Zelensky thanks Sir Keir Starmer for ‘good and very productive’ conversation
| PA
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Sir Keir Starmer, saying the pair had a “good and very productive” conversation on Tuesday.
Ukraine and its European allies have recently pushed back against the 28-point plan from the US, which contained significant concessions to Moscow.
Mr Zelensky said: “I thanked the Prime Minister for the condolences he expressed to the Ukrainian people. Last night, Russia launched another attack – at a time when Ukraine, together with America, Europe, and many others around the world, are working virtually around the clock to stop the bloodshed.
“Following the meetings in Geneva, we see many prospects that can make the path to peace real. There are solid results, and much work still lies ahead.
“Today, a meeting of the coalition of the willing will take place. We have coordinated our positions and the priority issues for discussion, as well as some of our next steps and contacts.”
The UK Prime Minister is expected to make a statement on Ukraine in the House of Commons later today.
Speaker mocks Health Secretary after discussing Budget policies before it’s announced
The speaker of the Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has mocked the health secretary for discussing a policy that will be included in the Rachel Reeves’s budget tomorrow – despite the Chancellor not even delivering it yet.
When discussing the NHS, Wes Streeting referenced that the budget will contain funding to construct 250 new neighbourhood health centres.
The health centres is one announcement that has already been announced by the Government – although ministers have insisted they cannot discuss policies before the Budget is delivered tomorrow.
Mr Streeting said: “Nowhere is the state of the NHS and the crumbling legacy we inherited more evident than in the NHS estate.
“That’s why I’m proud that in her budget, the chancellor will be setting out plans to roll out a new generation of neighbourhood health centres to deal with the crumbling NHS we inherited and to build an NHS fit for the future.
Sir Hoyle then joked: “It can’t be possible – we’ve not had the budget yet!”
Richard Tice heckled and booed after telling schoolchildren it’s time to ‘make Britain great again’
Richard Tice has received a rather unwelcome reception when speaking to sixth-form students at Methodist Central Hall.
The Reform UK deputy leader was a stand-in for boss Nigel Farage, who, despite being on posters for the event, instead spent time with farmers in Llandudno.
The event was PolEonUK, a political conference for A-level students.
In videos circulating online, Mr Tice can be seen telling the students that it is time to “make Britain great again”.
But the students took umbrage with the comments, and instead, his speech was met with a barrage of boos and heckles across the young audience.
Ministers back Heathrow’s £33bn plan to move M25 for third runway
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced that Heathrow’s £33billion plan for a third runway has been chosen as the plan to expand the airport.
The plans include a 3,500-metre runway and will require a new M25 tunnel.
The new third runway is estimated to cost a total £33billion, including £1.5billion on moving the M25, while a further £15billion will be spent on upgrades to the existing airport.
Heathrow says the project will be entirely privately financed, through higher airline costs, and no taxpayer money will be used to build the runway or the associated infrastructure.
It will see Heathrow’s capacity increase to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers per year.
Ms Alexander said: “Heathrow is our only hub airport which supports trade, tourism and hundreds of thousands of jobs, underpinning prosperity not only in the South East but across the UK.
“Today is another important step to enable a third runway and build on these benefits, setting the direction for the remainder of our work to get the policy framework in place for airport expansion.
“This will allow a decision on a third runway plan this parliament which meets our key tests, including on the environment and economic growth.
“We’re acting swiftly and decisively to get this project off the ground so we can realise its transformational potential for passengers, businesses, and our economy sooner.”
WATCH: Health minister Karin Smyth says Wes Streeting is ‘fed up’ of leadership challenge rumours
Robert Jenrick hits out at Labour leaders
Shadow Secretary of State for Justice Robert Jenrick has taken to social media to slam Labour leaders ahead of the Budget tomorrow.
In response to his own video claiming “We’re in a Labour cost of living crisis,” Mr Jenrick said:
“[Wes] Streeting: Let’s experiment on 10-year-old children. [Rachel] Reeves: Criticism is misogyny. [Keir] Starmer: I say 6-7 like the kids.
“Meanwhile, taxes and bills are surging. And the already meagre growth forecasts are being downgraded.”
WATCH: Sir James Cleverly left stuttering after questions over Kevin Hollinrake’s comparison between Reform UK and the Nazi Party
Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Sir James Cleverly was left stuttering when asked about Kevin Hollinrake’s comparison between Reform UK and the Nazi Party on GB News this morning.
“Kevin was right,” Mr Cleverly said, before admitting, “That’s not necessarily the way I would have made it.”
Yesterday, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also refused to condemn the comparison.
A Reform UK spokesman said: “If you vote Reform, the Chairman of the Conservative Party thinks you’re a Nazi. The Tory party somehow manages to sink further into the gutter.”
When asked about Reform’s comments, Ms Badenoch told ITV: “I think they’re putting words into his mouth. He merely made a comparison between two things.
“He was being funny. I see Reform being abusive to lots of politicians all the time. They like to dish it, but they can’t take it.”
‘Why won’t you tax their wealth?’ Demonstrations outside Parliament
‘Why won’t you tax their wealth’ demonstrations outside Parliament
| PA
A stunt, attended by Green Party leader Zack Polanski, questioned Rachel Reeves ahead of the 2025 Budget: ‘Why won’t you tax their wealth?’
The demonstration, which was seen outside Parliament the day before the details of the Budget were announced, also included a papier mache head of the Chancellor.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski attends Rachel Reeves stunt outside Parliament
Green Party leader Zack Polanski attends Rachel Reeves stunt outside Parliament
| PA
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has been spotted attending Rachel Reeves stunt outside Parliament.
The stunt took aim at Ms Reeves’ wealth tax, and features a campaigner dressed in a papier mache head of the Chancellor.
It comes just days after Mr Polanski said he was “very tempted” to take on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and run against him in his north London seat at the next election.
“I’m tempted to take on any Labour MP that’s a disaster and ultimately replace them with a better MP who will stand for people and planet, rather than vested interests,” he added.
WATCH: Sir James Cleverly blasts Rachel Reeves’s ‘appalling’ Budget management amid ‘misogyny’ claims
’Obesity is the major challenge of our health service for this generation’ says health minister amid potential ‘milkshake tax’ on sugary drinks
A health minister has admitted that obesity is “the major challenge of our health service for this generation”, amid reports the Government could be set to announce a so-called “milkshake tax” in the upcoming Budget.
Karin Smyth told Times Radio that, while any tax measures would be set out in the Budget, “the wider point is about tackling obesity, which we know is one of the biggest causes of ill health, and therefore demand on the health service.”
“Measures we’ve already announced as part of the manifesto, to reduce junk food advertising, particularly to protect young people from becoming obese, because if you come obese at a young age, it does limit your life chances,” she said.
“So tackling obesity is a central plank of prevention, which is one of our three shifts in the NHS, which we announced in the 10-year plan, as is getting down these waiting lists.”
Ms Smyth added: “Obesity is the major challenge of our health service for this generation, and it is important that we make sure that we create the healthiest young generation of children coming forward.
“That’s why we are trying to we’re getting through, for example, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. So it’s important to balance public health and work with industry to make sure that happens.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves calls for unity within the Labour Party and urges MPs to take the Budget as a ‘package’ not a ‘pick ‘n’ mix’
Last night, Rachel Reeves told MPs that politics is a “team sport”, in an apparent call for unity within the Labour Party.
“Because united parties are the ones who win elections”, a Treasury spokesman added.
The Chancellor also described the Budget as a “package” not a “pick ‘n’ mix”, suggesting MPs may “like the cola bottles but not the fruit salad”, and urging MPs to back all of it, rather than single out parts they may dislike or disagree with for criticism.
It is said that Labour backbenchers are likely to be satisfied with up to 95 per cent of the Budget; however Ms Reeves did hint that there are still difficult political decisions that are yet to be announced
The Chancellor then told MPs the Budget will focus on three priorities: “Cutting the cost of living, cutting NHS waiting lists and cutting the cost of debt.”
£1 in every £10 is now spent on interest.
Ms Reeves concluded on a defiant note: “I’ll show the media, I’ll show the Tories, I will not let them beat me, I’ll be there on Wednesday, I’ll be there next year, and I’ll be back the year after that.”
Just days before Rachel Reeves rages at ‘misogyny’… Chancellor is accused of ‘playing sexism card’
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman accused Rachel Reeves of ‘playing the sexist card’
| HOUSE OF COMMONS
Before her “misogyny” comments last night, Rachel Reeves was accused of “playing the sexist card” after saying she is “sick of people mansplaining how to be Chancellor” to her.
She complained to The Times of how the “target” was on her back which could be “exhausting”.
“You can see that in the media; they’re going for me all the time. It’s exhausting. But I’m not going to let them bring me down by undermining my character or my confidence. I’ve seen off a lot of those boys before and I’ll continue to do so,” she said.
“I’m sick of people mansplaining how to be Chancellor to me,” she added.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, meanwhile, accused her of “playing the sexist card” in a bid to distract from her “appalling record” in No11…
Keir Starmer to host ‘coalition of the willing’ phone call – despite Russia snub
Sir Keir Starmer is set to speak to Ukraine’s European allies on Tuesday following the latest talks to secure peace in the war-torn nation.
The Prime Minister will host a coalition of the willing call after efforts over the weekend between the US and Kyiv to broker a truce with Moscow.
Last night, it emerged the US and Ukraine have created a fresh 19-point framework for peace negotiations after ripping up an earlier proposal endorsed by Donald Trump.
The unpublished new framework is said to draw from a European counterproposal created by Britain, France and Germany, which keeps open the possibility of Ukrainian Nato membership and delays territorial discussions until after a ceasefire is established.
But Moscow has rejected this European approach.
Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin foreign policy aide, declared on Monday that the European plan was “at first glance completely unconstructive and does not work for us”.
Vladimir Putin maintains that Ukrainian Nato membership would threaten Russia’s national security – though his country already borders six member states without issue…
RECAP: Keir Starmer and David Lammy to DODGE Rachel Reeves’s ‘mansion tax’ after backlash from Labour MPs
Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy are set to escape Rachel Reeves’ new mansion tax
| GETTY
Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy are set to dodge Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s mansion tax raid following backlash from Labour MPs.
The “mansion tax” will now only target homes worth over £2million, allowing several senior cabinet members to escape the levy.
Mrs Reeves had initially proposed to announce a new council tax surcharge on homes valued over £1.5million in her Budget on Wednesday.
However, pressure from within her own party has forced to Chancellor to water down the plans that would have affected 300,000 homes across the nation…
