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UK Budget Tests Labour Govt's Credibility
Labour faces criticism for referencing devolved NHS Scotland data showing a 7.3% fall in long outpatient waits despite pledges to cut UK-wide waiting lists.
- On Wednesday, Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, will deliver the Budget aiming to cut waiting lists, the national debt, and living costs, a UK Government spokesperson said.
- Health is devolved to Scotland and Public Health Scotland data show a 7.3% decrease in new outpatients waiting over a year in September 2025, while Clare Haughey, SNP MSP, called UK engagement ahead of the Budget "nothing short of shameful."
- Weak growth and past tax changes constrain Reeves' options as economists estimate she must find 20 billion while Britain faces a deficit near five percent of gross domestic product.
- Investor nervousness over debt yields raises the stakes for the Budget as Rachel Reeves must shore up Labour's credibility amid Reform UK's rise and convince investors of fiscal control.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer's team rejected a meeting request with John Swinney earlier this week, while Finance Secretary Shona Robison criticised Labour's engagement and Michael Shanks faced misinformation accusations.
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44 Articles
44 Articles
The British Labour Government must present a budget that reconciles social values with economic imperatives, in a context of the rise of the far right and fragile public finances
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources44
Leaning Left4Leaning Right7Center14Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 16%
C 56%
R 28%
Factuality
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