Starmer Pressured on National Insurance Changes

Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has not ruled out increases to employers' national insurance contributions amidst speculation regarding the upcoming budget. During Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer was pressed by Rishi Sunak on whether Labour's manifesto commitment against raising taxes applies to employer contributions, but he did not provide a clear answer. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing to deliver the budget on October 30, which may include measures to raise revenue and address a £22 billion shortfall in public finances. Analysts suggest that taxing pension contributions could be a potential avenue for generating additional revenue. The TaxPayers' Alliance has expressed concerns that raising employer national insurance could harm employment by discouraging hiring. Overall, the political landscape is tense as both parties navigate fiscal pressures and manifesto commitments.