Keir Starmer Faces Tax Dilemma Amid Economic Downgrade

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure as he considers breaking a prior pledge not to increase taxes on working citizens. The adjustments come ahead of the budget announcement set for November 26, amid predictions of a worsening economic outlook.

Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch challenged Starmer on his commitment not to raise income tax, social security contributions, or sales tax, recalling his affirmative response to the same query in July. However, Starmer pointed out the decline in productivity forecasts, which he attributes to the Conservatives' lengthy governance.

Economists project that the Office for Budget Responsibility will significantly lower Britain's productivity forecast, prompting fiscal decisions possibly leading to tax hikes. Financial minister Rachel Reeves is exploring diverse measures to align spending and revenue by the decade's end.