Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was caught on camera enthusiastically performing a viral social media dance with school children, just days before his Chancellor is set to deliver a tough Budget expected to introduce multiple tax increases.
Prime Minister Joins Viral Trend
During a visit to Welland Academy in Peterborough, Sir Keir participated in the popular '6-7' dance trend alongside year two pupils who receive free school meals. The Labour leader, accompanied by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, appeared in high spirits as he waved his hands up and down with the children.
However, the Prime Minister was quickly reminded by the headteacher that 'children get into trouble for saying that at my school', referencing the nonsensical chanting that accompanies the trend which has frustrated teachers nationwide.
Budget Storm Clouds Gather
The lighthearted school visit comes amid growing tension ahead of Wednesday's Budget, where Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce a series of tax hikes despite previous pledges not to raise taxes or borrowing. Economists have branded the Chancellor's preparations as a 'shambles', while the uncertainty has been judged to have choked off economic growth by causing paralysis among UK businesses and consumers.
House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has even mocked the 'hokey cokey' Budget process following Ms Reeves' chaotic U-turn on income tax. The Chancellor had initially laid groundwork for a 2p income tax increase earlier this month, only to scrap those plans while considering cutting National Insurance by the same amount.
Expected Tax Measures
Instead, the Chancellor is preparing what's being described as a 'smorgasbord' of other levy hikes to fill a multi-billion pound hole in public finances. Potential measures include:
- A mansion tax on expensive properties
- A freeze on income tax thresholds
- Changes to workplace pensions
- Pay-per-mile tax for electric cars
- New gambling taxes
- Minimum wage increases
Other measures being touted include scrapping the two-child benefit cap, reducing ISA limits, and introducing new taxes on taxis and milkshakes. The Budget announcement will end months of speculation that has created significant uncertainty in the economy.
The contrast between the Prime Minister's cheerful school engagement and the impending tough economic decisions highlights the challenging political landscape facing the government as it prepares to deliver what many are calling a 'nightmare Budget' for British households and businesses.
