Tories Sound Alarm Over Starmer’s Chilling Hint at Massive New Tax Hikes
Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure after refusing to rule out more tax hikes during a tense exchange in the Commons, fuelling concerns that struggling Brits could be hit even harder in the months ahead. With households already feeling the sting of what’s been dubbed “Awful April”, thanks to soaring utility bills and council tax rises, the Prime Minister’s silence has sparked fresh criticism from the Conservatives.
A spokesperson for the Conservative Party didn’t hold back, saying: “Today the Prime Minister was asked if he would change the fiscal rules or put up taxes to sort the public finances and he failed to answer. With working families already feeling the strain from Awful April’s bill increases, plus the £3,500 hit from Labour’s Jobs Tax, they now also face the uncertainty of further tax rises hanging over their heads.”
The attack followed a direct challenge from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who reminded Parliament of Starmer’s election promise not to raise taxes on working people. She argued that the rise in National Insurance—even though it’s officially aimed at employers—would end up costing the average family dearly. “Why should anyone trust him again?” she asked.
Starmer hit back by saying Labour is focused on “clearing up the mess” left behind by the previous government and referred again to what he described as a “£22billion black hole” inherited from the Tories. But his response hasn’t done much to calm nerves among voters already grappling with rising costs across the board.
This month alone, households are being clobbered by a series of price hikes. Water bills are jumping by an average of £123 a year, energy bills by £111, and council tax on a band D property is going up by £109. Add in higher phone and broadband costs, and it’s little wonder some families are facing an extra £1,000 in annual expenses.
And that’s before factoring in Labour’s National Insurance hike. While technically aimed at employers, critics argue it will be passed on to workers, amounting to a stealth tax that could leave households around £3,500 worse off, according to Tory figures.
The economic warnings don’t stop there. Badenoch also raised alarms over the UK’s car manufacturing industry, which could take a serious hit if Donald Trump goes through with his proposed 25 per cent tariffs on car imports to the US. Think tank IPPR has warned that more than 25,000 UK jobs could be on the line, with major players like Jaguar Land Rover and the Mini plant in Cowley particularly exposed.
Still, there may be a glimmer of hope. The report notes that over a third of cars built in the UK this year are electric or hybrid models, and firms like Jaguar and Nissan could thrive—if the government steps up with proper support.
But for now, with bills rising and tax fears growing, many Brits are left wondering just how much heavier the financial load will get.
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