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Starmer endorses Budget, pushes for faster growth reforms
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will publicly support Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Budget in a Monday speech, pledging to advance "pro-growth" policies more aggressively while addressing cost-of-living pressures and inflation. His remarks come as the Treasury faces accusations of downplaying the UK's economic outlook ahead of the fiscal announcement.
Economic optimism vs. political scrutiny
Starmer will argue that growth is "beating forecasts" despite the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) downgrading next year's projections, insisting the government must expand investment and streamline public services to sustain momentum. The speech, scheduled five days after the Budget, follows Conservative claims that Reeves exaggerated financial challenges to justify tax increases.
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch accused Reeves of "lying to the public" after an OBR letter revealed the chancellor was told on 17 September that public finances were stronger than assumed. A Treasury spokesperson dismissed the criticism, stating Reeves' priorities-cutting living costs, reducing NHS wait times, and doubling fiscal headroom-remained unchanged.
Infrastructure reforms and regulatory overhaul
Starmer will also target "unnecessary red tape" in infrastructure, citing a report that labeled the UK the world's most expensive place to build nuclear plants. He plans to push for sector-wide reforms and overhaul "misguided environmental regulations," tasking Business Secretary Peter Kyle with applying lessons from the nuclear review to broader infrastructure projects.
Political fallout and media appearances
Downing Street denied the speech signals concern over public reception of the Budget, though the timing follows days of defensive statements after Conservative attacks. Both Reeves and Badenoch are set to discuss the controversy on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, as the row over fiscal transparency intensifies.
"We are not going to speculate on the OBR's processes, but the chancellor's choices were clear: cut living costs, reduce hospital waits, and secure our debt."
Treasury spokesperson, 29 November 2025
