Labour’s pledge to put more money in people’s pockets is becoming a reality. An inflation-busting 6.7% jump in the national minimum wage to £12.21 an hour will be welcomed by lower-paid workers.
The 77p rise, with bigger increases for those 20 and under, will create a genuine living wage – and make work pay.
Rachel Reeves’ landmark Budget tomorrow will be a moment when Labour can start building a better, more prosperous and fairer Britain.
The economy should work for everybody, not just a wealthy elite at the top.
Yes, the Chancellor will put up some taxes away from payslips – including employers’ National Insurance. It will require a persuasive argument as to how that will fill a Tory £22billion black hole and fund an NHS revival.
Budgets must be considered in the round, spending as well as taxing, and Reeves needs to tell a story in vivid colours of how Labour will be best for Britain.
Trump big risk
Tinpot tyrant Donald Trump being forced into declaring “I’m not a Nazi” and denying claims that he admired Hitler show what a terrible risk he poses.
Trump’s authoritarian nationalism, lies about winning a 2020 election he fairly and decisively lost, the storming of the Capitol and attempted coup plus admiration for Vladimir Putin and cosying up to Kim Jong-un are all reasons showing why he is terrifying.
Should Kamala Harris win next Tuesday’s presidential election, it would raise fears that Trump would again refuse to accept defeat, potentially inciting his crazier supporters who last time invaded Congress. God help America.
Swift reprisal
Wildlife campaigner Chris Packham could be forgiven for singing Look What You Made Me Do after the blowback from Taylor Swift fans over criticism of the pop star flying by private jet.
Once Swifties feel you’ve crossed their idol he’ll find it hard to Shake it Off.