Tensions Rise at Prime Minister's Questions Over Tax Policies

In a heated session of Prime Minister's Questions today, Rachel Reeves exhibited visible discomfort as members of the Conservative Party focused their criticism on Labour regarding impending tax increases in the autumn. With Kemi Badenoch absent, Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride took the opportunity to press Angela Rayner to reiterate Labour's commitment to not raising taxes on working individuals in the upcoming Budget, pointing out the serious repercussions of lying in Parliament. However, Rayner's failure to confirm this promise under pressure resulted in shouts and interruptions from the opposing MPs.

Stride highlighted that Rayner's silence could indicate that tax increases were on the horizon, saying, "The entire house heard that the Rt Hon lady didn't repeat the Chancellor's commitment." He further underscored that the Institute for Fiscal Studies has predicted significant rises in council taxes, despite Labour's assurances to freeze them, leading to concerns about a £7 billion tax hike. When Stride questioned why she didn't view council tax as a burden on working citizens, Rayner rebuked the Conservatives, accusing them of continuously raising council tax throughout their time in power.

The Shadow Chancellor criticized the apparent lack of confidence among Labour MPs regarding the Chancellor’s tax policies, suggesting that even Rayner might not wholeheartedly support the initiatives she was defending. Rayner, however, shifted the focus back to the Conservatives and boasted about their own government initiatives, including increases in the minimum wage and enhancements to affordable housing and school meal programs. Stride humorously acknowledged that despite their disagreements, he and Rayner shared a fundamental objection to the government's tax initiatives. In a final jab, he acknowledged Rayner's temporary leadership role in the Prime Minister's absence, hinting at the affection of some party members for her position.