The Treasury has refused to release a breakdown for Labour’s claim of a £22billion Tory “black hole” ahead of an anticipated tax raid in Rachel Reeves’ upcoming Budget.
Sir Keir Starmer referenced the figure several times during Prime Minister’s Questions, claiming it explained why 10 million pensioners would now lose Winter Fuel Payments.
However, the Treasury will only confirm £9.4billion is from public sector pay awards and more was spent on housing and dealing with asylum seekers.
A Freedom of Information request for a full breakdown was rebuffed by the Treasury, The Financial Times has revealed.
The Treasury instead said that complying with it “risks creating a chilling effect, as officials and ministers feel less able to make free and frank decisions relating to ongoing discussions to manage down in-year pressures”.
A spokesman added: “As with all publications, there are standard processes to ensure these documents are ready for publication.
“This should not be taken to imply that there is any doubt over the £21.9billion figure.”
However, an economist claimed the refusal to provide further information about the “black hole” is fuelling fear.
Ex-Bank of England economist Andy Haldane said: “[It has] generated a fear and foreboding and uncertainty among consumers, businesses and investors in UK PLC.”
Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also rubbished Labour’s claim.
He said:“Labour’s bogus ‘black hole’ is falling to pieces, with the government now admitting they can’t provide basic details because they aren’t sure they’re accurate.
“It’s clear that this fictitious ‘black hole’ is purely of Labour’s own making – simply a political smokescreen for their public sector pay awards.
“The public won’t be fooled by this shameless pre-text for tax rises.”
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Jenrick predicts Britons will DIE after Starmer releases ‘dangerous thugs’ in early release push
Robert Jenrick with early prisoner insetsPA
People could die as a result of Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to release prisoners early to prevent overcrowding, Tory leadership front runner Robert Jenrick has told Chopper’s Political Podcast.
Jenrick’s intervention came after Labour’s prison plans resulted in the release of 1,750 convicts who only served a minimum of 40 per cent of their terms behind bars.
Asked on Chopper’s Political Podcast about the early release of prisoners, Jenrick said: “We should be locking up more hyper prolific offenders to get dangerous people off our streets. What Keir Starmer is doing is very dangerous.
“Thugs and criminals are now being let out onto our streets and I predict that people could die as a result of these decisions.
“I don’t pretend these are easy decisions to make but I do not see evidence that Keir Starmer is straining every sinew to prevent this.”
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Starmer’s NHS plan dealt immediate blow as GPs threaten mass walkout
Junior Doctor strike
PA
GPs have waited just hours before hinting at a walkout after Sir Keir Starmer unveiled Labour’s plan to revamp the NHS.
Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, the chair of the BMA’s GP committee, warned staff could strike if Health Secretary Wes Streeting does not “listen to us”.
Speaking to the BBC, Bramall-Stainer said: “If the Government don’t listen to us… if we don’t see rapid action quickly enough, my worry is that the employed GPs or other employed members of staff, such as practice nurses, may decide to undertake a ballot to undertake industrial action and potentially even strike.”
Labour’s lead down to just FOUR PER CENT as Reform UK surge
Nigel FarageGETTY
Labour’s opinion poll lead is down to just four per cent following a backlash after Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to scrap Winter Fuel Payments for 10 million pensioners.
A More in Common poll put Labour’s support at 29 per cent, down four-points since July 4.
The Tories received a modest one-point boost to take them to 25 per cent, with Reform UK surging to 18 per cent.
However, Electoral Calculus’ predictor suggests such support would still result in a Labour victory, albeit with its majority slashed to just 46.
Reform UK would only double its MPs, taking the populist party to 10.
The Tories would in this instance add 52 MPs to its depleted Commons contingent.
Starmer’s unpopularity hits three-year high after Winter Fuel Payments cut
Keir Starmer
PA
Sir Keir Starmer is more unpopular with the public than at any point in the past three years, a new poll has revealed.
Forty-six per cent of voters now have an unfavourable view of the Prime Minister.
Thirty-two per cent of respondents to the Ipsos monthly tracker held a favourable view of Starmer, down six per cent since August.
The rating puts Starmer at the same rating when Labour lost Hartlepool to the Tories in its 2021 by-election.