UK Chancellor Faces Scrutiny Over Budget Gaps

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing for a challenging Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) session with Rishi Sunak, who may focus on alleged Labour manifesto breaches regarding national insurance and the controversial police escort given to Taylor Swift during her London concert. Additionally, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has identified a £40 billion funding gap ahead of her upcoming budget, prompting expectations of significant tax increases and spending cuts. This funding gap includes a persistent £22 billion overspend and potential long-term financial shortfalls totaling £100 billion over the next five years. The session is also expected to address fall in inflation rates and the ongoing discourse around winter fuel payments for pensioners. Starmer's previous pledges for House of Lords reform are under scrutiny, with critics questioning the effectiveness of these long-standing proposals. The political landscape is further complicated by mourning the recent death of former SNP leader Alex Salmond.