Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces an open rebellion from her own party as Labour MPs have ignored her desperate plea for unity ahead of tomorrow's crucial Budget announcement.
Parliament Protest Demands Wealth Levy
Left-wing Labour MPs joined a dramatic protest outside Parliament today, demanding the Chancellor implement an annual wealth tax that could raise £24billion from assets. The move comes despite economists warning that such a measure could potentially crash the economy.
Labour MPs Steve Witherden, Brian Leishman and Neil Duncan Jordan stood alongside Green Party leader Zack Polanski with bags of fake money in a symbolic demonstration. The protest occurred just hours after Ms Reeves begged MPs to support her Budget plans during a private meeting with backbenchers.
Mr Witherden defended his participation, stating: 'We can't out-Reform Reform. What we can do is offer a real alternative to the economic status quo that has left millions struggling whilst the very richest accrue record fortunes.'
Reeves' Desperate Appeal for Unity
During last night's gathering of the Parliamentary Labour Party, Ms Reeves made an emotional appeal to restive backbenchers, describing politics as a 'team sport' and urging them to back her entire Budget package rather than treating it as a 'pick 'n' mix'.
The Chancellor acknowledged that workers face another round of tax hikes, despite her explicit pledge a year ago that she would not return for more. However, she talked up her determination to scrap the controversial two-child benefit cap as part of an expected £15billion boost in welfare spending.
In a revealing moment, Ms Reeves claimed she had been a victim of 'misogyny' since taking office, stating: 'I don't think even I had recognised the misogyny that still exists in public life.'
Budget Measures Expected Tomorrow
The Treasury has released images of the Budget Red Book, confirming that plans have been finalised for tomorrow's announcement. Among the expected measures are:
- Freezing income tax thresholds for another two years
- Extending the 'sugar tax' to cover milkshakes and lattes
- A potential 'mansion tax' on properties worth over £2million
- A raid on workplace pension schemes
- A pay-per-mile tax for electric vehicles
The Chancellor faces the challenging task of filling a black hole estimated at up to £35billion in the public finances, which she has previously blamed on Brexit, Tory austerity, and Donald Trump's policies.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is expected to confirm the extension of the sugar tax this morning, while Treasury sources have all-but confirmed the hated freeze on tax thresholds will remain in place until 2030.
Despite the rebellion, allies said the Chancellor delivered a clear message that 'united parties win elections', though she faces an uphill battle to maintain party discipline as she prepares to deliver one of the most anticipated Budgets in recent memory.
