GB News’ Political Editor Christopher Hope made a cheeky bid for clarity as Chancellor Rachel Reeves left Downing Street following her pre-Budget briefing today.
Shouting across to Mrs Reeves, Christopher asked: “Is it time to cancel our Christmas turkey?”
The Chancellor responded with a simple “No” before continuing on her way.
The moment came after a tense briefing where Christopher, representing GB News, had been snubbed, with Mrs Reeves ignoring the front row journalist.
Rachel Reeves laughed as she said ‘no’ and walked away
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Mrs Reeves had faced intense scrutiny over the details of her upcoming Budget, with many concerned about possible tax rises despite Labour’s manifesto pledges not to increase income tax, VAT, or National Insurance.
Unusually, the Chancellor delivered an update today, where she spoke to journalists about the November Budget and refused to rule out an income tax rise.
In her speech, the Chancellor vowed to deliver on the priorities of the British people, promising to tackle NHS waiting lists, bring down the national debt, and ease the cost of living.
Speaking ahead of the November 26 announcement, Mrs Reeves said the Budget would focus on growth “with fairness at its heart”.
She also pledged to take the necessary steps to protect families from high inflation and soaring interest rates, while safeguarding public services from a return to austerity.
“Our past does not have to determine our future,” Chancellor Rachel Reeves said, setting out her vision ahead of the upcoming Budget.
Rachel Reeves delivered a pre Budget briefing today
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POOL
She added that the Government was elected “to break with the cycle of decline” and promised to go further and faster to deliver economic growth.
Mrs Reeves said the Budget would create “a Britain with an economy that works for everyone,” aiming to balance growth with fairness.
The Tory leader said: “The Chancellor’s speech was one long wafflebomb. A laundry list of excuses.
“She blamed absolutely everybody else for her own choices, her own decisions, her own failures.
“She claims she will focus on the priorities of the British public. Whose priority is it to pay more tax?
“It is basic economics that if you tax something, you get less of it.”
Mrs Badenoch added: “The message that this Government is sending couldn’t be clearer.
“Don’t bother doing the right thing. Don’t bother living within your means because the Government won’t. Don’t bother putting money away to cover your bills. You’ll just end up paying for those that don’t.”