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Jeremy Hunt: Everyone will have to pay more tax
Media caption,
Jeremy Hunt says he wants to make sure any recession is short and shallow
By Laura Kuenssberg & Kate Whannel
BBC News
Everyone will have to pay more tax under plans due to be announced on Thursday, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt says.
Offering a message few ministers would risk saying out loud, Mr Hunt told the BBC: "I've been explicit that taxes are going to go up."
He confirmed he would be giving details about further help for those struggling with energy bills, but warned there had to be constraints on help.
Labour accused the Conservatives of making a "total mess" of the economy.
Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said Mr Hunt was choosing to tax working people, while doing "little to close tax loopholes which mean some of the wealthiest don't pay their fair share".
The BBC has been told the chancellor is set to announce spending cuts of about £35bn and plans to raise £20bn in tax.
It comes as the UK faces major economic challenges, with soaring living costs and a warning from the Bank of England that the country is facing its longest recession since records began.
It also follows the mini-budget of former Prime Minister Liz Truss and her then chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, which led to market turmoil and a jump in government borrowing costs. Many of those policies have since been reversed by Mr Hunt.
Independent forecasts are understood to have identified a gap of around £55bn in the public finances - although some economists have questioned the size of the 'black hole'.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Hunt acknowledged his plans would "disappoint people" - but he promised to protect the "most vulnerable".
"We have a plan to see us through choppy waters... we will make the recession we are in as short and shallow as possible."
The BBC has been told Mr Hunt is planning to freeze tax thresholds - the levels of income at which people begin to pay more tax - until 2028.
While he did not confirm these plans when appearing on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the chancellor said: "I think I've been completely explicit that taxes are going to go up, and that's a very difficult thing for me to do because I came into politics to do the exact opposite."
As ever at this stage in the cycle, the occupants of the Treasury are coy about giving any specifics.
It is also abundantly clear that public services are in for a hard time - with no guarantee there'll be extra cash to help them to cope with the costs of inflation.
Some Conservatives MPs have warned against increasing taxes, with former party leader Iain Duncan Smith telling Sky News it could lead to a "deeper" recession.
Addressing the concerns of his colleagues, Mr Hunt said the previous leadership had tried that approach, "in other words a plan that doesn't show how, in the long run, we can afford it".
"We have tried that, we saw it didn't work."
With the Conservatives significantly behind in the polls, Mr Hunt and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak face a challenge in getting public backing for their proposals.
Media caption,
Rachel Reeves calls on the chancellor to make "fair choices" on the economy
The chancellor also made clear that the support people were receiving for energy bills would come to an end for many.
The energy price guarantee had been due to last for two years, but after taking over from Mr Kwarteng, Mr Hunt announced it would expire in April.
Speaking to the BBC, he said he would set out what further support would be given to those struggling on Thursday.
However, he emphasised that future help had to be "done on a sustainable basis" and there would have to be "some constraints".
Asked if he was ditching the energy plan set out by former prime minister Boris Johnson, the chancellor said he admired Mr Johnson's "big visions" but added there were elements of "cakeism" - a reference to the phrase: "Have your cake and eat it."
He said he wanted to "deliver the exciting things he outlined" but that actions had to be credible and affordable.
Wrapped up in suggestions that there were lots of opportunities still to come, it is a rare acknowledgement from a Conservative politician.
He said the coronavirus pandemic had prevented the UK from taking advantage of opportunities open to it after leaving the European Union.
Labour's Rachel Reeves said she recognised there would be "constraints" on what the government could do, partly because of "mistakes the government has made".
However she added: "Just because you have to make difficult decisions it doesn't mean you have to make the same decisions."
She said Labour had "no plans" to raise income tax or national insurance and would focus on closing "loopholes" in the tax system.
The Liberal Democrat's Treasury spokewoman Sarah Olney said: "Hardworking families look set to be clobbered with yet more unfair tax hikes because the Conservative party crashed the economy."
More on this story
- Published
8 hours ago
Media caption,
Jeremy Hunt says he wants to make sure any recession is short and shallow
By Laura Kuenssberg & Kate Whannel
BBC News
Everyone will have to pay more tax under plans due to be announced on Thursday, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt says.
Offering a message few ministers would risk saying out loud, Mr Hunt told the BBC: "I've been explicit that taxes are going to go up."
He confirmed he would be giving details about further help for those struggling with energy bills, but warned there had to be constraints on help.
Labour accused the Conservatives of making a "total mess" of the economy.
Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said Mr Hunt was choosing to tax working people, while doing "little to close tax loopholes which mean some of the wealthiest don't pay their fair share".
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The BBC has been told the chancellor is set to announce spending cuts of about £35bn and plans to raise £20bn in tax.
It comes as the UK faces major economic challenges, with soaring living costs and a warning from the Bank of England that the country is facing its longest recession since records began.
It also follows the mini-budget of former Prime Minister Liz Truss and her then chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, which led to market turmoil and a jump in government borrowing costs. Many of those policies have since been reversed by Mr Hunt.
Independent forecasts are understood to have identified a gap of around £55bn in the public finances - although some economists have questioned the size of the 'black hole'.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Hunt acknowledged his plans would "disappoint people" - but he promised to protect the "most vulnerable".
"We have a plan to see us through choppy waters... we will make the recession we are in as short and shallow as possible."
The BBC has been told Mr Hunt is planning to freeze tax thresholds - the levels of income at which people begin to pay more tax - until 2028.
While he did not confirm these plans when appearing on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the chancellor said: "I think I've been completely explicit that taxes are going to go up, and that's a very difficult thing for me to do because I came into politics to do the exact opposite."
As ever at this stage in the cycle, the occupants of the Treasury are coy about giving any specifics.
It is also abundantly clear that public services are in for a hard time - with no guarantee there'll be extra cash to help them to cope with the costs of inflation.
Some Conservatives MPs have warned against increasing taxes, with former party leader Iain Duncan Smith telling Sky News it could lead to a "deeper" recession.
Addressing the concerns of his colleagues, Mr Hunt said the previous leadership had tried that approach, "in other words a plan that doesn't show how, in the long run, we can afford it".
"We have tried that, we saw it didn't work."
With the Conservatives significantly behind in the polls, Mr Hunt and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak face a challenge in getting public backing for their proposals.
Media caption,
Rachel Reeves calls on the chancellor to make "fair choices" on the economy
The chancellor also made clear that the support people were receiving for energy bills would come to an end for many.
The energy price guarantee had been due to last for two years, but after taking over from Mr Kwarteng, Mr Hunt announced it would expire in April.
Speaking to the BBC, he said he would set out what further support would be given to those struggling on Thursday.
However, he emphasised that future help had to be "done on a sustainable basis" and there would have to be "some constraints".
Asked if he was ditching the energy plan set out by former prime minister Boris Johnson, the chancellor said he admired Mr Johnson's "big visions" but added there were elements of "cakeism" - a reference to the phrase: "Have your cake and eat it."
He said he wanted to "deliver the exciting things he outlined" but that actions had to be credible and affordable.
- What's happening to my energy bill?
- Why is the UK struggling more than other countries?
- What is the windfall tax on oil and gas companies?
Wrapped up in suggestions that there were lots of opportunities still to come, it is a rare acknowledgement from a Conservative politician.
He said the coronavirus pandemic had prevented the UK from taking advantage of opportunities open to it after leaving the European Union.
Labour's Rachel Reeves said she recognised there would be "constraints" on what the government could do, partly because of "mistakes the government has made".
However she added: "Just because you have to make difficult decisions it doesn't mean you have to make the same decisions."
She said Labour had "no plans" to raise income tax or national insurance and would focus on closing "loopholes" in the tax system.
The Liberal Democrat's Treasury spokewoman Sarah Olney said: "Hardworking families look set to be clobbered with yet more unfair tax hikes because the Conservative party crashed the economy."
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John Redwood
@johnredwood
·
Nov 12
The government owns the Bank of England, appoints the Governor, sets the remit, sends £11 bn this year to pay its losses, approves the money it prints and bonds it buys.Shouldn't we ask why inflation is five times target and why the Bank now wants to create a long recession?
This could work on the m25 protests
Iran Votes to Execute Protesters, Says Rebels Need 'Hard Lesson'
BY THOMAS KIKA ON 11/8/22 AT 11:56 AM EST
00:39
Iranians Protest Death Of Woman In Police Custody: What To Know
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WORLDIRANPROTESTSPROTESTORSEXECUTION
After numerous calls for harsh punishments in recent days, the Iranian parliament on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly in favor of the death penalty for protesters.
Iran has been experiencing unprecedented levels of protests and civil unrest since the death of Mahsa Amini on September 16. The 22-year-old Kurdish woman was arrested by the country's "morality police" for supposedly wearing an "improper" form of hijab during a visit to Tehran and allegedly beaten severely while in custody. The beatings are believed to have led to her death from a fatal head injury, but Iranian authorities have denied the accusation.
In the wake of Amini's death, there have been large-scale nationwide protests the likes of which Iran has not seen in decades. Female protesters have notably taken to burning their hijabs and cutting their hair in public in defiance of the rules imposed by Iran's Islamic government, under the leadership of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian lawmakers have, in recent days, called for strict punishments for the protesters who have been arrested. On Monday, CNN reported that a letter signed by 227 members of the Iranian parliament urged that the protesters be given harsh punishment that "would serve as a good lesson in the shortest possible time."
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Protesters in Tehran, Iran, in September of 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini. The Iranian parliament voted strongly in favor of imposing the death penalty for those charged in connection with the protests.-/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
"Now, the public, even protesters who are not supportive of riots, demand from the judiciary and security institutions to deal with the few people who have caused disturbances in a firm, deterrent, and legal manner," Iranian government spokesman Masoud Setayeshi said, according to Reuters.
On Tuesday, parliament did just that, voting to impose the death penalty on all protesters in custody as a "hard lesson" for all rebels. The majority in favor of the penalty was considerable, 227 out of the 290 total members, matching the number of lawmakers who signed the letter.
NEWSWEEK SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS >
It is unclear when the executions will be carried out, but the task will potentially be significant. As of Thursday, CNN reported, about 14,000 people had been arrested in connection with the recent protests. On Tuesday, Carnegie Endowment fellow Karim Sadjadpour said the number was nearing 15,000.
"In the last 8 weeks Iran's regime has killed over 300 protestors, imprisoned nearly 15,000, and threatened to execute hundreds more, yet Iran's women persist," Sadjadpour wrote in a tweet. "Today female university students removed their forced hejab and chant, 'I am a free woman.'"
Several prominent figures in Iran are calling for a response from foreign governments.
"Outrageous! After killing 100s of protesters on the streets & a violent crackdown, 227 MPs in Iran called the protesters "Mohareb" & asked the judiciary to issue "retribution" sentences [execution]," journalist Omid Memarian tweeted on Sunday. "The world should respond. Dangerous!"
In response to the parliament vote, activist and journalist Masih Alinejad tweeted: "227 members of the 290-seat Parliament in Iran have called on the Judiciary to issue death sentences for people arrested during the ongoing uprising. They want to execute innocent protesters who chanted Woman Life Freedom. The world must stop this act of terror."
Newsweek reached out to the Iranian government for comment.
Iran Votes to Execute Protesters, Says Rebels Need 'Hard Lesson'
BY THOMAS KIKA ON 11/8/22 AT 11:56 AM EST
00:39
Iranians Protest Death Of Woman In Police Custody: What To Know
SHARE
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on RedditShare on FlipboardShare via EmailComments
WORLDIRANPROTESTSPROTESTORSEXECUTION
After numerous calls for harsh punishments in recent days, the Iranian parliament on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly in favor of the death penalty for protesters.
Iran has been experiencing unprecedented levels of protests and civil unrest since the death of Mahsa Amini on September 16. The 22-year-old Kurdish woman was arrested by the country's "morality police" for supposedly wearing an "improper" form of hijab during a visit to Tehran and allegedly beaten severely while in custody. The beatings are believed to have led to her death from a fatal head injury, but Iranian authorities have denied the accusation.
In the wake of Amini's death, there have been large-scale nationwide protests the likes of which Iran has not seen in decades. Female protesters have notably taken to burning their hijabs and cutting their hair in public in defiance of the rules imposed by Iran's Islamic government, under the leadership of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian lawmakers have, in recent days, called for strict punishments for the protesters who have been arrested. On Monday, CNN reported that a letter signed by 227 members of the Iranian parliament urged that the protesters be given harsh punishment that "would serve as a good lesson in the shortest possible time."
NEWSWEEK NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP >
You must log in or register to see images
Protesters in Tehran, Iran, in September of 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini. The Iranian parliament voted strongly in favor of imposing the death penalty for those charged in connection with the protests.-/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
"Now, the public, even protesters who are not supportive of riots, demand from the judiciary and security institutions to deal with the few people who have caused disturbances in a firm, deterrent, and legal manner," Iranian government spokesman Masoud Setayeshi said, according to Reuters.
On Tuesday, parliament did just that, voting to impose the death penalty on all protesters in custody as a "hard lesson" for all rebels. The majority in favor of the penalty was considerable, 227 out of the 290 total members, matching the number of lawmakers who signed the letter.
NEWSWEEK SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS >
It is unclear when the executions will be carried out, but the task will potentially be significant. As of Thursday, CNN reported, about 14,000 people had been arrested in connection with the recent protests. On Tuesday, Carnegie Endowment fellow Karim Sadjadpour said the number was nearing 15,000.
"In the last 8 weeks Iran's regime has killed over 300 protestors, imprisoned nearly 15,000, and threatened to execute hundreds more, yet Iran's women persist," Sadjadpour wrote in a tweet. "Today female university students removed their forced hejab and chant, 'I am a free woman.'"
Several prominent figures in Iran are calling for a response from foreign governments.
"Outrageous! After killing 100s of protesters on the streets & a violent crackdown, 227 MPs in Iran called the protesters "Mohareb" & asked the judiciary to issue "retribution" sentences [execution]," journalist Omid Memarian tweeted on Sunday. "The world should respond. Dangerous!"
In response to the parliament vote, activist and journalist Masih Alinejad tweeted: "227 members of the 290-seat Parliament in Iran have called on the Judiciary to issue death sentences for people arrested during the ongoing uprising. They want to execute innocent protesters who chanted Woman Life Freedom. The world must stop this act of terror."
Newsweek reached out to the Iranian government for comment.
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Bernie's Tweets
@BernieSpofforth
U.K. - EV car owners who went ‘electric’ to lower their costs, will now have to pay Road tax.
Not only did children slave for your virtue but you’re paying triple to charge your car and being taxed to ‘save the planet’ Oops…
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Cockpit caper! US jet draws ‘sky penis’ near Russian base
American aircraft mocks Moscow.
In a move that was hard for the Russians to ignore, an American military aircraft crew pulled off a ballsy maneuver near Moscow’s base in Syria on Tuesday night.
A KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling plane drew a “sky penis” in the vicinity of Syria’s Tartus — the Kremlin’s naval facility in the Mediterranean — according to a POLITICO analysis of Flightradar24 data, as first reported by La Repubblica.
It is not known whether the plane took off from Crete to refuel fighter planes, or if the pilots simply had one job: taking the piss out of the Russian ground crew.
The Mediterranean was the subject of a close encounter between three U.S. Navy planes and Russian aircraft back in February, in the days before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Lets hope those lovable, un-selfish, fighters for the true cause on our behalf don’t hold any traffic protests tomorrow.
I know they are only doing what’s right and we are obviously too stupid to realise it…however I’d ****ing hate to miss another cancer appointment tomorrow afternoon. Oh well, who gives a **** about people like me, eh ?
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When the pill kicks in and you see something new to tax.
8:
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8:
Don’t drive, walk Stainsie. They’ll love you then (and probably give you a bucket of paint free to throw over your car).
Good. Hopefully the silly ****s vote for him and water down the right wing vote further.
Not energy bills, food, inflation, the crumbling NHS. This is really number one for a certain segment of people.
Generally older, white males with a pinkish hue.
In the same way that a certain segment of people didn't vote for Corbyn and the ****ers that follow him.
Not at all. Corbyn was never going to be electable in what is a predominantly small ‘c’ conservative country. Anyone who rates immigration as their number one concern with everything else going wrong is either very well-off, xenophobic or painfully gullible to right wing nonsense.