A make-or-break week for the UK government – podcast

The GuardianMonday, November 24, 2025 at 1:38:45 PM
A make-or-break week for the UK government – podcast
  • This week marks a pivotal moment for the UK government as Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to unveil her budget, a critical event that could define her leadership and the Labour party's future. The discussions leading up to the budget have been intense, with significant implications for fiscal policy and economic management. Behind the scenes, Kiran Stacey shares insights from his recent trip to Johannesburg with Keir Starmer, including talks on the Ukraine peace plan.
  • The upcoming budget is particularly significant for Rachel Reeves, the first female chancellor, as she faces scrutiny and pressure to deliver effective fiscal measures amid a struggling economy. Her plans include potential tax increases and spending cuts, which are essential for addressing the cost of living crisis and restoring confidence in the government's economic strategy.
  • This budget comes at a time when UK inflation has shown signs of easing, dropping to 3.6%, raising expectations for a possible interest rate cut. However, the government has also reported higher-than-expected borrowing, which complicates the fiscal landscape. The juxtaposition of declining inflation and rising debt highlights the challenges Reeves faces in balancing economic recovery with fiscal responsibility.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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