The Latest Breaking News from Jeremy Hunt

How can a nation that has enjoyed no productivity growth in 15 years, is still reeling from the economic shocks of Brexit, Covid and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and where debt is equivalent to 100 per cent of GDP, afford sweeping tax cuts? The short answer is: it can’t.…

Richard Holden signals further cuts likely as he plays down polls showing party trailing Labour

Britain faces a “nasty combination” of high tax and tight public spending after the next general election, leading economists warned on Friday as doubts grew over Jeremy Hunt’s room for Budget giveaways.

If he has any concern for his reputation, the PM will shelve this doomed mistake and do everything to rescue public services, says Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins

Thinktank calls on parties to ‘level’ with voters about difficult tax and spending decisions before next election

Yes, the tax burden is high. But the chancellor should note the electorate is far more concerned with the state of public services, says Duncan Weldon

Richard Hughes criticises lack of information from government about public spending plans

After 13 years of Conservative rule, many voters simply resent taxes, now that they no longer mean better public services, says the political economist William Davies

City Comment: Long after the dust has settled on the election, the Chancellor will be judged on whether he delivered a responsible and sustainable Budget

Prime minister tells MPs no decision has been taken ‘to embark on sustained campaign’ as SNP questions how successful strikes will be

December deficit is less than expected at £14bn – the lowest for the month since 2019